The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires electric utilities to submit bi-annual 10-year transmission plans as part of Rule 3627 for additional electric transmission projects in Colorado. In February 2022, Xcel Energy filed the latest 10-year transmission plan.
Learn more about Rule 3627 and view the 10-year plan (PDF).
View the latest FERC 890 stakeholder Outreach Presentation (PDF).
Rule 3206 requires Xcel Energy to file with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) its proposed plans for new construction or extension of transmission facilities for the next three calendar years, commencing with the year following the filing. The report may request a decision that projects are in the ordinary course of business and do not require a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). The PUC then determines which projects will require a CPCN. The report for is due no later than April 30 of each year.
View 2023 Rule 3206 Report (PDF)
SB100 was signed into law in 2007 to expand Colorado’s electric transmission system and promote the use of renewable resources. It established requirements for utilities to continually evaluate and, if necessary, improve electric transmission facilities to meet the state’s existing and future energy needs. Five energy resource zones with significant renewable energy potential were also identified. Historically, the SB100 filings were made by Public Service by October 31 of each odd-numbered year. Those filings were subsequently combined into a single Proceeding with the Rule 3627 filing. In 2017, Decision No. R17-0747 in Proceeding 17R-0489E modified SB100 to allow the Company to demonstrate that the requirements of SB100 were met as part of the Rule 3627.
The SB100 report is now located within the 10-year plan (PDF).
Transmission siting and permitting is done in each local jurisdiction and typically begins after the Public Utilities Commission has granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for a project although preliminary work may occur prior to the CPCN being granted. Siting involves development of potential routes and locations for infrastructure and identification of potential environmental impacts. This is also part of the process during which environmental studies are conducted and applications are submitted to local government agencies for review. Xcel Energy uses 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. Permitting includes the development of land use permit applications, which are submitted to local or federal government agencies for review and approval.
Transmission planning includes a robust and extensive open stakeholder process which involves elected officials, federal, state and local agencies, energy developers, environmental groups, business and industry, advocacy groups, planning and economic development agencies, interveners on past Xcel Energy filings, organizations involved in transmission planning and the public.
For more information on transmission planning contact:
Gilbert Y. Flores
Transmission Planning Manager
Gilbert.Y.Flores@xcelenergy.com
FERC Standards of Conduct for Transmission Providers
Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC)
WestConnect
PSCo OASISColorado Coordinated Planning Group (CCPG)
