Elbert County Environmental Alliance
Protect and Preserve
Elbert County Environmental Alliance is working to protect our community and wildlife from Xcel’s high voltage power lines running through the heart of our county
PUC Public Hearing
PUC Public Hearing
December 9, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 Ag Building Elbert County Fairgrounds
Xcel has appealed to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission since Elbert County denied their permits to build high transmission towers through the heart of Elbert County. The PUC will be holding a Public Hearing to listen to citizen concerns regarding the project. It is SO IMPORTANT that we all show up, as it is most likely our final opportunity to speak out. Please plan on attending and inform your friends, family, and neighbors.
While it is so much more impactful to attend the hearing in person, if you are unable to attend, click on the button below to submit written comments
BOCC Votes to Deny Xcel Permits
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to deny Xcel's applications for their Power Pathway!!
They listened to us, they read our letters, and they asked the important questions. We are all so grateful for the time they dedicated to this project, their willingness to take a stand on our behalf, and for their decision.
We are also grateful to all of you who stepped up and showed up to share your concerns. Our community came together on this issue, and we made a difference! Thank you!
The commissioners will be holding a special meeting on July 2nd at 1:00, to formally sign the resolution, which will outline all the reasons why they voted to deny.
Xcel now has the option to appeal the commissioners' decision to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. We will keep you updated on this process.
As we all know, Elbert County is a wonderful place to live, and our community is a big reason. Thank you all for your support over these three and a half years. We are going to need to continue to work together even more as this project moves forward to the state level.
Planning Commission Votes to Recommend Denial
During the Public Hearing on June 3, 2025, the Elbert County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend denying Xcel’s application for their Power Pathway. They did an excellent job of questioning Xcel and uncovering several discrepancies and omissions in their application.
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on June 23 (see below) and will then vote to either accept, deny, or accept with conditions.
Please plan on attending!!
Simulation of lines along Highway 86
Xcel’s Preferred Route
The high voltage lines would be placed along a 150 foot easement along the yellow, indicated route. Keep in mind that the transmission towers are 140 feet tall (that is four regular power lines on top of each other, or just 13 feet shorter than the Kiowa water tower. According to Xcel’s website, “The Eastern Plains of Colorado is one of the nation’s best areas for wind and solar. New transmission lines encourage construction of wind and solar power plants to bring more low-cost electricity to help meet the needs of our growing state” and wind and solar plants will be connected up to a 35 mile radius from the lines.
What can YOU do?
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Attend a County Commissioner meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 9:00 AM
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Contact our newly elected state officials
Share your concerns with our new commissioners and representatives
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Write, email, or call the Public Utilities Commission
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Sign up for the Elbert County Environmental Alliance News Updates
Important to Know
The route that Xcel has posted is just their PREFERRED route - it has not yet been approved!
What this means for you. . .
If you are contacted by Xcel or their contractors because your property is along the route, you do not have to grant them access. Let them know that you are aware that the project has not yet been approved by the County.
“We are going to be slathering the Eastern Plains with wind and solar.”
-PUC Commissioner John Gavan
You have a voice - share your concerns with Elbert County Commissioners, Xcel and the Public Utilities Commission.
Protect our community, way of life, and sense of place
Elbert County is filled with families who chose a rural way of life, surrounded by the beauty of our natural surroundings. High voltage lines would destroy the place we call home.
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