FAQs

Three Corners Connector is being developed by Grid United, an independent transmission company. Grid United’s mission is to modernize the United States’ electric grid to create a more resilient and efficient electric system that takes advantage of the nation’s abundant and geographically dispersed generation resources to the benefit of all consumers. The Grid United team is comprised of energy professionals with extensive experience in developing, designing, permitting and constructing large-scale linear infrastructure across North America.

Yes. Improved reliability will help mitigate the financial impact of extreme weather events and the resulting economic damages. By increasing energy options for both states, the project will help consumers in both areas to accommodate the growing electricity demand. Additionally, an increase in transmission capacity will enable power flow from lower-cost regions to higher-cost regions, so residential and business customers may benefit from the lower kilowatt-hour prices resulting from the increased competition the project will bring.

The ultimate route will be determined through a process that includes resource data evaluation, a suitability analysis, and landowner feedback and is currently anticipated to be approximately 300 miles long, extending from an existing substation in Pueblo, Colorado, to a proposed substation near Guymon, Oklahoma. Converter stations will be constructed near each endpoint to convert between AC and DC energy, allowing for more efficient and reliable transmission. The route is still being developed and will not be finalized until input has been received from landowners, communities, and local, state and federal government officials.

Direct current is the preferred technology for moving large amounts of power over long distances, offering significant electrical, economic and environmental advantages. Direct current transmission is the only technology that can connect two grids and can transfer the same amount of power more efficiently and more reliably than alternating current. Direct current advantages include lower power losses on the line, the ability to control the power flow and more efficient land use due to reduced right of way footprint compared to alternating current projects moving the same amount of power.

Multiple permits and approvals may be required prior to construction, including state regulatory approvals, land use permits, highway crossing permits, construction stormwater permits and demolition notifications. We will coordinate with local, state and federal permitting authorities to determine all permits required over the course of the project.

Yes. We will acquire easements, but the land will still belong to the landowners and can be utilized for activities such as farming, grazing cattle and other activities that do not interfere with the operation of the line. 

The Three Corners Connector team will be talking directly with stakeholders along the route individually. Additionally, there will be opportunities for public input on anticipated impacts during the permit approval processes. If you would like to get in touch with the Three Corners Connector team, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Our company combines industry experience and the patient capital required to develop large-scale transmission projects. Three Corners Connector team has managed, built, and financed large scale infrastructure projects throughout the United States. In addition, Grid United has retained other highly qualified and experienced professionals to assist with design, environmental permitting, right-of-way acquisition, stakeholder engagement and community relations.

By connecting the two largest separate grids in the United States, transmission lines such as Three Corners Connector will strengthen the U.S.’ electric transmission grid to create a more resilient, reliable, and efficient electric system that takes advantage of the nation’s abundant and geographically dispersed natural resources to benefit all consumers.

Numerous studies by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other government and nongovernmental organizations have demonstrated a need for long-distance transmission projects, including high voltage direct current transmission lines like Three Corners Connector.

DC lines do in fact strengthen the grid. Unlike AC lines where power flows on the path of least resistance, DC lines are completely controllable. Flows across the line can be changed near-instantaneously to maximize the benefits to the grid, and the line can provide important services enhancing grid operations in addition to transferring power. Three Corners Connector will work with transmission operators to ensure that the project can be integrated into the system without violating any reliability criteria.

Whenever feasible, the line will follow property lines or existing infrastructure. Land agents will work with landowners on route placement during the landowner consultation phase.

The project will acquire a 200’ right-of-way from landowners along the proposed route. Additionally, the project will acquire Additional Temporary Workspace (ATWS) as needed for construction.

Yes, all topsoil up to 12 inches or depth of cultivation (whichever is greater) will be stripped and segregated.

Reseeding will occur in compliance with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Landowners will also have the option to provide a specified seed mix.

There are no known health impacts that result from transmission lines. The magnetic field of a DC line is similar in nature to the natural magnetic field of the Earth (the same field that allows a compass to work), and the strength of the magnetic field at the edge of the ROW is comparable to the strength of the Earth’s field. There is no stray voltage from a DC line, and DC lines do not induce voltage on nearby surfaces.