Xcel Energy plans $1.7 billion transmission project to support Colorado clean energy plan

Xcel Energy-Colorado on March 2 proposed a $1.7 billion high-voltage transmission system to support the development of renewable energy resources in Colorado as part of its broader Clean Energy Plan.

The project, called the Colorado Power Pathway, will include five segments of 345-kV transmission line totaling 560 miles, connecting the Front Range to areas of north central, eastern and southern Colorado.

The Xcel Energy Inc. subsidiary is working with energy partners across the state whose plans support the access to renewable energy in Colorado, including Black Hills Corp. subsidiary Black Hills Colorado Electric LLC doing business as Black Hills Energy, Colorado Springs Utilities Platte River Power Authority and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc. Xcel Energy-Colorado is known legally as Public Service Co. of Colorado.

Xcel Energy said the overall project needs to be reviewed by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for a determination whether it is in the public interest. Tri-State said it will file a separate application with the PUC to approve its participation in the project.

Subject to approval, construction of the transmission line is expected to begin in 2023, with the in-service date of the first segments by 2025, followed by remaining segments in 2026 and 2027.

Xcel Energy's Clean Energy Plan outlines a path to reducing power generation from coal-fired facilities through retirement and repowering and through adding 5,500 MW of new renewable energy facilities, including wind, solar and battery storage. The plan is also awaiting the commission's signoff.