Boulder Hydro to Sunshine Tap Electric Transmission Line Replacement
Project Overview
Xcel Energy is replacing 1.5 miles existing 115-kilovolt of overhead transmission line in Boulder County. The Project stretches from the Boulder Hydro Substation — located just south of the intersection of Boulder Canyon Road and the Betasso Link Trail — to the Sunshine Tap, just south of the intersection of Sunshine Canyon Drive and Timber Trail.
The transmission line will be replaced because it has reached the end of its useful life. The line will be replaced to current industry standards, including additional measures to reduce wildfire risk in accordance with Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
We will replace the existing structures with new steel H-frames within the existing alignment which will be strung with new conductor and optical ground wire.
This Project is necessary to continue to provide safe, reliable electric service to Boulder County and the surrounding communities. This Project is also part of a larger, multi-year effort to replace vital transmission links in Boulder County and City of Boulder.
Construction
Throughout the replacement process, we will:
- Engage landowners and the surrounding community to provide details about the planned replacement and address questions or concerns
- Clear vegetation along access routes, within transmission line right-of-way, and temporary construction areas
- Set up of temporary construction laydown yards, helicopter fly yards and conductor wire pull sites.
- Install new transmission line structures via helicopter and install conductor wires
- Remove existing structures and the conductor wires connecting them
- Test and energize the replaced transmission line
This is required maintenance of the Facility, which includes replacing aging equipment that is nearing the end of its useful life, and which will require temporary construction laydown and helicopter fly yards.
Project Timeline
- Permitting activities: Underway and will continue through 2026
- Construction: Anticipated to start in 2026 and be completed in 2026 (*Schedules are subject to change)
Safety
Public safety is at the foundation of all we do. We take a proactive approach by implementing safety measures before, during and after construction.
The Project has been designed to meet federal and state standards and safety requirements for installing, maintaining and operating electric infrastructure.
Our electric system, including substations and power lines, are monitored by a 24/7/365 staffed control center. If there is an unanticipated event in the system, the flow of electricity into the system is disrupted at a nearby substation to protect the public.
We inspect our infrastructure regularly to check for damage, equipment needing repair or replacement and anything else that might jeopardize the safe and reliable operation of our equipment.
In the event of an electric infrastructure problem, clear the area immediately and contact Xcel Energy’s emergency number: 800-895-1999. Call 911 in an emergency.