Xcel Energy-Colorado Proposes Transmission Line That Would Expand Access to Renewables

By Josh Beckerman

Xcel Energy Inc.'s Xcel Energy-Colorado and its partners are proposing a $1.7 billion plan to upgrade Colorado's high-voltage transmission system, intending to bring more renewable energy onto the grid and improve system reliability.

The proposed 560-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line will include five new segments to connect the Front Range to areas of north central, eastern and southern Colorado. The company said "these rural counties are rich with renewable energy resource development potential, but do not currently have a network transmission system that can integrate new resources needed to meet the state's clean energy goals."

Xcel said the proposal supports its Clean Energy Plan, announced Feb. 24, that will add 5,500 megawatts of new generation to the Xcel Energy-Colorado system, primarily renewables.

The company is "working with energy partners across the state" on the effort. If approved, construction is estimated to begin in 2023, with the first segments of the line potentially in-service by 2025.

Write to Josh Beckerman at josh.beckerman@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 02, 2021 12:36 ET (17:36 GMT)

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