Xcel Energy Hopkins to Basalt 115-kV Rebuild Project

Xcel Energy is proposing to rebuild the existing 11-mile transmission line between the Hopkins and Basalt substations in Eagle and Garfield counties. The transmission line was originally built more than 100 years ago and is reaching the end of its useful life. To ensure we can continue delivering reliable, safe electricity for our customers, the line will be rebuilt, which will improve electric service to homes and businesses in the area, while also meeting the community’s current needs and future growth.

Approximately five miles of the line are located in Eagle County, with the remaining infrastructure in Garfield County; about half of the project is located on property managed by the Bureau of Land Management with the rest located on private property.

Project Details

• Replace existing structures with single-pole and H-frame structures.
• The infrastructure will be located within the current project Right-of-Way.
• Poles will range from 35 to 100-feet tall with an average of 65 feet depending on location and topography.
• Average length between poles will be 400 to 1,400 feet, depending on topography.
• In most cases, Xcel Energy will continue to use the existing 100-foot-wide right-of-way. In some cases we will purchase additional permanent easements to meet engineering and operational requirements, or temporary easements for construction and property access.
• Where possible, we will parallel existing roads.
• Landowners are compensated for the purchase of easements and Right-of-Way and can continue to use the land for most activities. The easement generally grants Xcel Energy the right to build, operate and maintain the transmission infrastructure.

Join us to learn about the project

October 12, 2022
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. MDT

Basalt Regional Library – Community Room
14 Midland Ave.
Basalt, CO 81621

OR

October 18, 2022
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MDT

Roaring Fork High School
2270 Highway 133
Carbondale, CO 81623

The same information will be presented at each meeting; no formal presentation is planned, so attend at any time

Document Library

• Hopkins to Basalt Information Sheet
• Project Location Map
• Siting and Routing Fact Sheet
• Birds and Power Lines
• Easement Acquisition
• Transmission EMF
• Wildfire Mitigation Plans
• Overhead vs Underground Fact Sheet