Washoe County Planning Commission approves two-year extension for Prana transmission line permit
July 02, 2025 | Washoe County, Nevada
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The Washoe County Planning Commission convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on amendments to special use permits related to energy projects in the region.
The meeting began with a discussion on case number WAC25-0007, concerning the Grama transmission line. Senior Planner Chris Brodzik presented an amendment request to extend the timeline for obtaining building permits for the Grama transmission line project by an additional two years, pushing the deadline to May 12, 2027. This project involves a 345 kilovolt generation tie line connecting the Prana Substation to the Fort Sage Substation, which is crucial for meeting Nevada's growing energy demands.
Brodzik explained that the extension was necessary due to delays in securing a large generator interconnection agreement with NV Energy, compounded by investor withdrawals that required the applicants to restart their processes. Public notices were sent to 175 property owners within a 750-foot radius, and staff recommended approval of the extension, having met all necessary findings.
Charles Hooper, representing the Hooper Family Trust, spoke in favor of the extension, emphasizing the project's significance in supporting Nevada's energy needs, particularly for data centers that require substantial power. He noted that the project could potentially deliver between 800 megawatts to a gigawatt of energy.
Public comment was opened, with April Smith, Hooper's daughter, expressing strong support for the extension, highlighting its role in advancing Nevada's goal of 100% renewable energy. She praised the commission's efforts and the collaborative process with county staff.
Following public comments, Commissioner Lazarski acknowledged the challenges of long timelines for such projects but expressed support for the extension, suggesting that future requests should consider more realistic timelines. The commission unanimously approved the amendment to the special use permit.
The meeting then moved on to item 9b, which involved a special use permit for the Indigo Basin Solar project, proposing a 20 megawatt AC and 28.248 megawatt DC solar photovoltaic generation facility. This item was set for further discussion and possible action in subsequent meetings.
Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts in Washoe County to enhance renewable energy infrastructure while navigating the complexities of project timelines and regulatory requirements.
The meeting began with a discussion on case number WAC25-0007, concerning the Grama transmission line. Senior Planner Chris Brodzik presented an amendment request to extend the timeline for obtaining building permits for the Grama transmission line project by an additional two years, pushing the deadline to May 12, 2027. This project involves a 345 kilovolt generation tie line connecting the Prana Substation to the Fort Sage Substation, which is crucial for meeting Nevada's growing energy demands.
Brodzik explained that the extension was necessary due to delays in securing a large generator interconnection agreement with NV Energy, compounded by investor withdrawals that required the applicants to restart their processes. Public notices were sent to 175 property owners within a 750-foot radius, and staff recommended approval of the extension, having met all necessary findings.
Charles Hooper, representing the Hooper Family Trust, spoke in favor of the extension, emphasizing the project's significance in supporting Nevada's energy needs, particularly for data centers that require substantial power. He noted that the project could potentially deliver between 800 megawatts to a gigawatt of energy.
Public comment was opened, with April Smith, Hooper's daughter, expressing strong support for the extension, highlighting its role in advancing Nevada's goal of 100% renewable energy. She praised the commission's efforts and the collaborative process with county staff.
Following public comments, Commissioner Lazarski acknowledged the challenges of long timelines for such projects but expressed support for the extension, suggesting that future requests should consider more realistic timelines. The commission unanimously approved the amendment to the special use permit.
The meeting then moved on to item 9b, which involved a special use permit for the Indigo Basin Solar project, proposing a 20 megawatt AC and 28.248 megawatt DC solar photovoltaic generation facility. This item was set for further discussion and possible action in subsequent meetings.
Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts in Washoe County to enhance renewable energy infrastructure while navigating the complexities of project timelines and regulatory requirements.
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