Three Corners Connector has been selected to proceed to negotiations for potential funding of up to $250 million through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades, or SPARK, program.
The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services applied for the federal funding with Three Corners Connector serving as a subrecipient.
Selection for negotiations does not represent a final award. Funding remains subject to successful negotiations and execution of a formal financial assistance agreement.
Three Corners Connector is a proposed 300-mile high-voltage direct current interregional transmission line connecting the eastern and western electric grids, with endpoints in Oklahoma and Colorado.
The project is designed to more than double the existing 1,320 MW transfer capacity between the two grids.
If finalized, SPARK funding would primarily support engineering and materials associated with the project’s transmission towers.
The project is intended to improve interregional grid connectivity and provide utilities and grid operators with increased ability to move electricity between the Southwest Power Pool and Western Electricity Coordinating Council markets.
Three Corners Connector is progressing through regulatory filings, with final approvals expected in 2026.
Construction is expected to begin after remaining land rights are secured and required regulatory approvals are obtained. The project could become operational as early as 2031.
KEY QUOTES:
“It’s not that we don’t have enough electricity in most areas. Most of the time we lack the transmission capabilities to go from one region where it’s being generated to another region where it’s needed. So the connectors that we’re investing in across the U.S. are ensuring that we have capacity to move the power and energy to where it’s needed.”
Kyle Haustveit, U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary of Energy
“The Great Plains is a cornerstone of the country’s energy system, and connecting the eastern and western grids here strengthens reliability on both sides. Selection for SPARK funding helps Oklahoma and Three Corners Connector build toward a more resilient energy future, and we look forward to advancing the project alongside the stakeholders who have helped shape its development.”
Bryant Coon, Senior Director of Development for Three Corners Connector
