Mitchell Creek to Ute Rifle Transmission Rebuild

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 replace the 60-year-old 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the Mitchell Creek Substation and the Rifle Ute Substation.

The approximately 23-mile transmission line delivers critical energy to the Colorado River region but is more than 60-years-old and was originally built with wood poles. Due to natural weathering and the overall age of the poles and equipment, the line has reached the end of its useful life and must be replaced. The transmission line will be rebuilt to current industry standards that include additional measures to reduce wildfire risk. New infrastructure will improve electric service reliability to homes and businesses in the region and help meet the growing energy needs for years to come.

The Mitchell Creek to Rifle Ute rebuild project is part of a larger, multi-year effort to rebuild and upgrade vital, higher-voltage transmission links between Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction.

Project details

• Approximately 25 miles of 69 kV line to be rebuilt to modern standards
• Replace aged, wood structures with steel monopoles (see images to right)
• Rebuild largely within existing right-of-way
• Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) will be added 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, temporary easements for construction and property access, or amended and restated easements to better define the location of the existing easements on impacted properties
• Distribution lines eastward from Newcastle Substation, to Count Rd. 134 will be reconstructed on the new poles.

Project schedule

• Public outreach: November 2023 through end of construction
• Environmental and land use permitting will be completed in early 2024
• Engineering, design, and easement negotiations will be completed in 2024
• Construction is scheduled to begin early 2025 and should be completed early 2026
• Contractors will use established access points for most construction activities; however, some areas cannot be reached by heavy vehicles so equipment will need to be placed by helicopter

Outreach and communications

Xcel Energy will work with landowners, local governments and the public throughout the process to permit and rebuild this important transmission line. Xcel Energy conducted public open house meetings in Glenwood Springs, Rifle and Parachute, on February 27, 28 and March 13 to provide information about the project, answer questions and take public comments. Information from the open house events may be found in the Resources section below.

Resources

Mitchell Creek to Rifle Ute Information Sheet (PDF)
Mitchell Creek to Rifle Ute Information Sheet (Spanish) (PDF)
February/March Open House Display Boards (PDF)
Transmission Line Construction (PDF)
Birds and Power Lines (PDF)
EMF (PDF)
Safety around power lines (PDF)
Wildfire Mitigation Program (external link)