Saguache to Mirage Junction Transmission Line Rebuild Project
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.
In the coming months, Xcel Energy will replace the 60-year-old, 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the Mirage Junction Tap, at Highway 17 and County Road AA, and the Saguache substation, located east of Saguache. This line must be rebuilt because it has reached the end of its useful life. The line will be rebuilt within its current alignment, using current design standards that include additional measures to reduce wildfire risk. This project will help ensure continued delivery of safe, reliable electric service to our customers in Saguache, Colorado. Xcel Energy currently plans to begin replacement of this line in fall, 2024 and conclude work in early 2025.
Project Resources
Saguache to Mirage Junction Information Sheet (PDF) (Opens in a new window) About Transmission (Opens in a new window) EMF Fact Sheet (Opens in a new window) EMF Fact Sheet Spanish (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Birds and Powerlines (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Safety Around Power Lines (Opens in a new window) Transmission Line Construction (Opens in a new window) Wildfire Mitigation Program (Opens in a new window)Project Details
- Rebuild approximately 12 miles of 69-kV electric transmission line.
- Most of the existing wood monopole transmission structures will be replaced with steel monopoles except for four locations where three-pole configurations are required.
- Rebuild along the existing centerline.
- 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 acquire temporary easements for construction and property access and amended and restated easements to better define the location of the existing easements on impacted properties.
- Located on private and Bureau of Land Management land.
Typical Structures
Single Circuit Monopole
Timeline
- Xcel Energy will begin construction: Fall 2024
- Complete the rebuild: Approximately 6 months