Potter-Crossroads-Phantom 765-kV Transmission Line Project
Project Overview
Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc., is proposing to construct and operate the Potter-Crossroads-Phantom 765-kV project (Project) to enhance electric reliability across Texas and New Mexico. The proposed Potter-Crossroads-Phantom 765-kV transmission line will extend from Amarillo, Texas, to south of Portales, New Mexico, and continue to the southern part of Lea County in southeastern New Mexico. SPS also plans to construct six additional 345-kV transmission lines and two new substations – one in southeastern New Mexico and the other in western Texas.
This project was identified by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) as part of its 2024 Integrated Transmission Plan Assessment, a study performed to identify projects to enhance reliability and expand the grid across the 14 states that comprise the SPP footprint. The Project is essential to ensuring electric reliability as the region continues to grow and will be particularly critical in meeting the demands of new load growth.
The Project will require approvals from both the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC). It will cross privately owned land as well as land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSL). Because portions of the Project will cross federally administered land, SPS will submit a right-of-way application to the BLM for authorization to construct and operate the Project on these lands. In response, the BLM will initiate environmental reviews and prepare documentation in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Project Resources
Potter-Crossroads-Phantom Information Sheet (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Birds and Power Lines (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Easement Acquisition and Right-of-Way Process (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Power Lines and Electric and Magnetic Fields (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Safety Around Power Lines (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Siting and Permitting (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Transmission Line Construction Process (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Working with Landowners (PDF) (Opens in a new window)Project Update
Public Open House Meeting Details
SPS will host nine in-person open house meetings throughout the study area, as well as one virtual public meeting for those unable to attend in-person. The purpose of these meetings is to offer additional information about the project, provide an opportunity to engage with project staff, and gather feedback from the community. Details regarding the scheduled meeting dates are provided below.
Please note that the in-person open house meetings will be conducted in an open house format, allowing attendees to arrive and depart at their convenience. There will be no formal presentation during these meetings. Informational displays, maps, and other project materials will be available for review.
The in-person open house meetings will not include a formal presentation, so please attend at the time and location most convenient for you.
In-Person Open Houses
OCTOBER 21, 2025 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Church at Bushland,
1800 FM 2381, Amarillo, TX 79124
OCTOBER 21, 2025 • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Hereford Community Center,
1001 W. 15th St., Hereford, TX 79045
OCTOBER 22, 2025 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bailey County Civic Center,
2206 W. American Blvd., Muleshoe, TX 79347
OCTOBER 22, 2025 • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
XIT Recreation Center,
205 North St., Bovina, TX 79009
OCTOBER 23, 2025 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Encanto Event Center,
1010 S. Main St., Roswell, NM 88203
OCTOBER 23, 2025 • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Midway Convention Center,
43055 US 70, Portales, NM 88130
OCTOBER 28, 2025 • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Walter Gerrells Performing Arts & Exhibition Center,
4012 National Parks Hwy., Carlsbad, NM 88220
OCTOBER 29, 2025 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lea County Museum – Lister Building,
114 E. Central, Lovington, NM 88260
OCTOBER 29, 2025 • 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Hobbs Public Library,
509 N. Shipp St., Hobbs, NM 88240
If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled in-person public meetings, a virtual public meeting will also be available. The information presented will be identical in all formats.
Virtual Meeting
Thursday Oct. 30, 2025
From 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. (CST)
Join online:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85496546329
Join via audio:
+1 719 359 4580 US
Webinar ID: 854 9654 6329
International numbers: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdQrWwAQDF
Individuals attending the virtual public meeting will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide information to representatives and technical experts from the project team. The preliminary route links are subject to modification based on further study and information received at the in-person meetings as well as the virtual public meeting.
If you have any questions about the upcoming public meetings, or would like more information on this project, please contact us at potter-crossroads-phantom@xcelenergy.com.
We will post presentation materials under Project Resources following the event for those unable to attend. We look forward to meeting with you!
Project Need
The Potter-Crossroads-Phantom 765-kV line project is needed to support new load growth in the SPS region. SPS’s Texas and New Mexico service territory is seeing unprecedented demand due to new manufacturing, oil and gas growth and the increasing needs of existing customers and communities. The Project will not only make the electric grid more reliable but also support the growing economy in the SPS service territory. The Project ensures that SPS can meet customers energy needs and contribute to the economic development of the region.
Project Details
Approximate Length1: 180 Miles
Description: New 765-kilovolt (kV) line from existing Potter Substation to existing Crossroads Substation.
Location: Potter County, Texas to Roosevelt County, New Mexico.
Approximate Length1: 150 Miles
Description: New 765-kV line from existing Crossroads Substation to existing Phantom Substation.
Location: Roosevelt County, New Mexico to Eddy County, New Mexico.
Approximate Length1: 22 Miles2
Description: Three new 345-kV lines from existing Potter Substation to new Tecovas Substation.
Location: Potter County, Texas to Randall County, Texas.
Approximate Length1: 9 Miles2
Description: Three new 345-kV lines from existing Phantom Substation to new Bandit Substation.
Location: Eddy County, New Mexico.
1 All lengths are approximate and may change depending on the final approved routes.
2 Approximate mileage shown is for one 345-kV line. There will be three 345-kV lines.
Timeline
- Routing & Siting Studies: Q1 2025 - Q1 2028
- Public and Agency Outreach: Q4 2025 - Q3 2028
- Land Acquisition: Q3 2026 - Q1 2029
- Construction: Q1 2029 - Q2 2031
- In Service: Q2 2031
Contact Us
Have questions or want to provide comments? Send an email to potter-crossroads-phantom@xcelenergy.com, leave a message on the project phone line 1 (512) 500-0948, or fill in and submit the comment form below.