Partnering to increase reliability and support renewable energy development
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:
- Approximately 95 miles of new double-circuit 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the existing San Luis Valley Substation, north of Alamosa, to a new Calumet Substation near Walsenburg
- A new 230/345-kV Calumet Substation at a location six miles north of Walsenburg on property owned by Tri-State and expansion of three existing substations
- Approximately 45 miles of new double-circuit 345-kV transmission line between the proposed Calumet Substation and the existing Comanche Substation near Pueblo
- Approximately six miles of new 230-kV transmission line between the proposed Calumet Substation and the existing Walsenburg Substation
YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED
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.
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View route refinements that resulted from public scoping meetings.
Environmental Impact Statement to be prepared by Rural Utilities Service.