State Regulators Override Elbert County To Advance Massive Power Line Project

By Savana Kascak | Complete Colorado

DENVER–The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently sided with Xcel Energy in overriding Elbert County’s denial of a permit for the monopoly utility’s $1.7 billion power line project. The decision was based on a rarely used state statute.

As previously reported by Complete Colorado, both Elbert and El Paso counties previously denied Xcel’s permit request to build a massive transmission line that slices directly through Colorado’s Eastern Plains.

Colorado’s Power Pathway Project is 550-mile line connecting wind and solar energy generated in eastern counties to Denver metro-area communities. The project is a vital part of Governor Polis’ ambitious, though increasingly unrealistic mandate for 100% renewable energy in Colorado by 2040.

County commissioners rejected Xcel’s permit request after significant protests and criticism from constituents.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT COMPLETE COLORADO