Mitchell Creek to Ute Rifle 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.
We plan to replace the 60-year-old 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the Mitchell Creek Substation and the Rifle Ute Substation. By rebuilding this 69 kV line to modern standards, we will improve service reliability and reduce potential safety risks associated with aging poles and equipment.
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. New infrastructure will improve electric service reliability to homes and businesses in the region, withstand higher than normal windspeeds 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.
Following approvals by Garfield County and the community of Rifle, contract crews will soon begin work to rebuild the line. The initial phase will start west of New Castle in mid- to late-October 2024 and move westward toward Rifle. Subsequent phases will begin in 2025 and continue eastward from New Castle to the Mitchell Creek Substation in Glenwood Springs. Contractors will use established access points for most construction activities and will start on those properties to which we have final agreements in place. Some areas cannot be reached by heavy vehicles so equipment will need to be placed by helicopter
Project Resources
Mitchell Creek to Rifle Ute Information Sheet (PDF) (Opens in a new window) About Transmission (Opens in a new window) Transmission Line Construction (Opens in a new window) Birds and Power Lines (PDF) (Opens in a new window) Understanding Electric & Magnetic Fields (Opens in a new window) Safety around power lines (Opens in a new window) Overhead vs. Underground (Opens in a new window) Wildfire Mitigation Program (external link) (Opens in a new window)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
New conductor will increase performance, capacity, clearance and serviceability
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
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 will conduct public meetings to provide information about the project, answer questions and take public comments.
Please visit the project website – https://www.transmission.xcelenergy.com/Projects/Colorado/mitchelltoute or call the project hotline 303-571-7472 or email MitchellCrtoUteRifle@xcelenergy.com if you have any questions.
Typical Structures
Steel Monopole
Material: Steel
Timeline
- Public outreach: November 2023 through end of construction
- Environmental and land use permitting: Early 2024
- Engineering, design, and easement negotiations: Completed in 2024
- Construction: Fall 2024 - Early 2026