Working with Landowners

Tri-State and PSCo use an open and comprehensive process when siting transmission lines that considers electric system planning, economics, the environment, public involvement, regulatory issues, land rights, and engineering input.

The project area was based on two interconnection points identified in the Alternative Evaluation study and from there preliminary alternative corridors were established from a detailed environmental and land use analysis.

Next, the utilities will address specific concerns identified by the public and refine, add, or delete preliminary alternative corridors and identify alternative routes. Additional public comments and stakeholder concerns from route refinement workshops will help make final adjustments to alternative routes. From there, we will identify a preferred route and a select number of feasible alternatives.

We followed the process set forth by the guidelines of the National Environmental Policy Act to make our route selection. This process not only considers the environmental impacts of proposed projects but entails detailed guidelines for working with the public and key stakeholders.

Once a route is selected and the necessary land use permits have been obtained from federal, state and local government agencies, Tri-State and PSCO would work directly with affected landowners and other stakeholders to acquire the necessary power line and access easements for the project.

Siting and Permitting
The steps used by the utilities in siting and permitting transmission line routes

Easement acquisition and survey permission

An easement is a permanent right authorizing a utility to use the land or property to build and maintain a transmission line. Access easements would be needed for construction and long-term maintenance of the transmission line. To assist with transmission line engineering and design, the companies and consultants would acquire temporary access or survey permission from landowners.

A right-of-way is the land area that would be acquired by a utility for a transmission line. The right-of-way for the project would vary, and is developed based upon several factors including the voltage of the transmission line, structure spacing, conductor tension, operational safety, and maintainability. Safety requirements are determined by the National Electric Safety Code.

Tri-State and PSCo would use market data from recent sales of similar properties to determine fair and appropriate compensation. Every effort to reach a fair and reasonable settlement will be made. When negotiations are unsuccessful, which is rare, the companies may have to exercise eminent domain authority.

Working with Landowners
How the utilities will work with affected landowners and other stakeholders to acquire the necessary power line and access easements for the project

Working with Landowners

Easement acquisition and survey permission

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