Bridging the gap between north and south in central California, a joint venture between Duke Energy (DUK -1.33%) and American Transmission has completed the acquisition of the 72% of capacity owned by Atlantic Power (AT) in Path 15, an 84-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission line that links the state's two power grids.
Pacific Gas & Electric owns an 18% stake in the line. Western Area Power Administration owns the remaining 10% and will continue to be responsible for operating and maintaining the line.
Duke-American Transmission was formed in 2011 to develop strategic transmission projects across the U.S. and Canada. The 9-year old transmission line known as Path 15 is essential to maintaining electric system reliability and market efficiency across California.
When the acquisition was announced in March, Duke-America President Phil Grigsby said Path 15 was "a ground-breaking project that launched the competitive transmission industry by using private capital to fund much-needed new transmission infrastructure, and we're excited to be a part of that legacy."
Duke-American Transmission paid Atlantic Power approximately $56 million for its stake. The deal also includes the buyers assuming $137 million in debt.
