Alamosa to Sargent
Project Overview
Xcel Energy is building a better, cleaner energy future by taking steps to create a smarter and stronger energy grid, for a more secure energy supply. This commitment includes replacing infrastructure reaching the end of its useful life.
We plan to rebuild approximately 33 miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines connecting the Alamosa Terminal, Homelake, Rio Grande and Sargent substations in Alamosa and Rio Grande counties. The line will be rebuilt in place, in the same alignment
The transmission lines were originally built in the 1950s. Due to natural weathering and the overall age of the structures, they have reached the end of their useful life and must be replaced. New infrastructure will improve electric service reliability to homes and businesses in the region, proactively minimize the risk of wildfire and help meet the energy needs in the area.
Construction will take place within the Xcel Energy’s existing right-of-way. The project will be completed in several phases. The first phase will rebuild of transmission lines between the Sargent and Rio Grande Substations and install new switching gear. The second phase includes rebuilding the line between the Alamosa Terminal and Homelake substation. The third phase will rebuild the transmission line from the tap structure between the Sargent and Rio Grande substations to the Homelake Substation.
Upcoming Project Activities
Upcoming Construction Activities
At Xcel Energy, safety is at the core of all we do. Work zones will be set up for the safety of construction crews, neighbors and businesses. As construction activities continue, here are some things you can expect:
- In coordination with landowners, crews will remove or relocate obstacles (such as fences or sheds) within or along the edge of the right of way, installing matting or bridges and grading or filling areas to create temporary access roads to allow for the safe transport of materials and equipment during upcoming construction.
- Upon completion of construction, crews will restore areas to pre-existing conditions.
- Crews will be present to conduct field site preparations (spotting/framing/excavating) prior to any scheduled outage dates. This is necessary to complete planned mileage of construction within any scheduled outage window. The project team will notify landowners of any upcoming planned outages and anticipated durations.
- You may notice more vehicles parking or moving through the area. Any traffic disruptions will be communicated with signs or flaggers.
- Xcel Energy will coordinate with landowners to accommodate their agricultural and irrigation operations.
Xcel Energy is committed to working with landowners, residents, public officials and other stakeholders in completing the proposed Alamosa to Sargent 69-kV Transmission Line Rebuild. Your questions and comments are important to us. We encourage you to contact us with any questions.
Timeline
- Public Outreach: Summer 2024 – Spring 2026
- Phase 1 Construction: Late Summer 2024 – Spring 2025
- Phase 2 Construction: Summer 2025 – Fall 2026
- Phase 3 Construction: 2027
- In Service: 2027
Proposed Infrastructure
Single Steel Poles
The diagrams depict the proposed structure types to be used on this project. The one in the middle will be most commonly used throughout the line:
- Voltage: 69-kV single-circuit transmission line
- Structure height: Varying between 70-90 feet
- Span between structures: Approximately 350-400 feet
The Proposed Infrastructure will:
- Replace existing wooden structures with steel single pole steel structures
- Rebuild within the existing right-of-way
- Adhere to current design standards to improve resiliency and system reliability
- Add Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) to improve communication between substations and assist in preventing lightning strikes
In some cases, Xcel Energy may need to secure additional permanent easements to meet engineering and operational requirements, or temporary easements for construction and property access.