
Abundant natural resources, agriculture, increased population and renewable energy potential are just some of the reasons for the steady growth in southern Colorado.
This growth brings the need for critical infrastructure to deliver reliable power, relieve transmission constraints and offer increased economic development opportunities through renewable energy investment.
There is plausible concern regarding the reliability of existing electricity service if additional transmission lines are not constructed to meet these needs. This project would also help meet the goals of Colorado Senate Bill 07-100 that set forth guidelines for utilities to build transmission projects that accommodate the development of beneficial resources, including renewable generation.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), an Xcel Energy Company, have partnered to address these concerns by jointly pursuing transmission projects in southern Colorado. The projects would strengthen the state's power delivery infrastructure, serve growing electricity needs and provide for the interconnection of renewable energy resources.
The Southern Colorado Transmission Improvements, which comprises the San Luis Valley - Calumet - Comanche Transmission Project, includes the following components:
Tri-State and PSCo use an open and comprehensive process in siting transmission lines that considers electric system planning, economics, the environment, public involvement, regulatory issues, land rights, and engineering input.
The utilities will perform a detailed environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act process. Public meetings were held in August 2009, which provided an opportunity for the utilities to begin working closely with landowners and stakeholders. Route refinement workshops will be scheduled before the end of the year.
View route refinements that resulted from public scoping meetings.
Environmental Impact Statement to be prepared by Rural Utilities Service.