Hobbs-China Draw 345 kV Transmission Line Project

The Hobbs-China Draw 345 kV transmission line project was placed in-service on May 30, 2018. The project consists of nearly 90 miles of new 345 kV transmission line between the Hobbs Plant Substation located about 11 miles northwest of Hobbs, New Mexico and the new China Draw Substation located about 22 miles south of Carlsbad. The project was constructed in three segments:

  • Hobbs Plant Substation to the new Kiowa Substation located about 15 miles northeast of Carlsbad
  • Kiowa Substation to the new North Loving Substation located about eight miles southeast of Carlsbad
  • North Loving Substation to the China Draw Substation

The projects provide a new source of bulk power to meet growing electricity demand in Eddy and Lea Counties.

On May 11,2016 Xcel Energy filed a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (Case No. 16-00126-UT) to construct, operate, and maintain the 345-kV transmission line and associated facilities. Landowners crossed by the proposed project were notified via First Class mail on May 11. The CCN process validates the proposed project need and impact as well as authorizes the placement of the line. On November 30, 2016 the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission issued an order of approval for the project. For more information on the filing, please visit the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.

On April 29, 2014, the Southwest Power Pool approved the issuance of 44 Notices to Construct to Xcel Energy’s Southwest Public Service Company for new transmission facilities in New Mexico needed between now and 2020 at a cost of $557 million. Xcel Energy plans to build all of the approved facilities including construction of 12 new substations and upgrades to nine existing substations, as well as 149 miles of new 115 kV and 245 miles of new 345 kV transmission lines.

Quick Facts
Estimated length
86 miles
Estimated cost
$140 million
In-service date
May 30, 2018