Hopkins to Basalt 115-kV 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.
Xcel Energy proposes to rebuild the existing 11-mile, 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the Hopkins and Basalt substations in Eagle and Garfield counties. The transmission line was originally built in 1909 with a combination of wood H-frame, fiberglass H-frame and lattice structures.
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.
Approximately five miles of the line are 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 another portion within Colorado Parks and Wildlife land, and the rest located on private property. Xcel Energy conducted public meetings and took community input regarding the project and decided to rebuild the transmission line largely within its current 100-foot right-of-way.
Project Resources
Hopkins to Basalt Information Sheet (PDF) (Opens in a new window) About Transmission (Opens in a new window) Birds and Power Lines (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Right-Of-Way and Easements (Opens in a new window) Understanding Electric & Magnetic Fields (Opens in a new window) Wildfire Mitigation Plans (Website) (Opens in a new window) Overhead vs Underground (Opens in a new window) Safety Around Powerlines (Opens in a new window)Project Details
- Replace existing structures with 3-pole self-supporting and H-frame steel structures.
- The infrastructure will be located within existing right-of-way.
- Poles will range from 50 to 100-feet tall with an average of 65 feet depending on location and topography.
- Typical length between poles will be approximately 850 feet; however, actual spans will range between 400 and 1,700 feet, depending on topography.
- 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, or temporary easements for construction and property access.
Typical Structures
3-Pole self-supporting and H-frame steel structures
Timeline
- Environmental and land use permitting will be completed: 2024
- Engineering, design, and easement negotiations will be completed: 2024
- Construction will begin and should be completed later that year: 2025