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
Timeline of Events
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Elbert County to Appeal PUC Decision on Xcel PowerPathway Project
The Board of Elbert County Commissioners today voted unanimously to direct its County Attorney to file an appeal in Elbert County District Court challenging the PUC decision allowing a 48-mile segment of Xcel Energy’s 345-kilovolt transmission line in Elbert County.
The Board of Elbert County Commissioners stated: “Local input during the entire multi-year process was ultimately ignored, disregarded and determined to be insignificant. We continue to believe State statute protects local input and meaningful local control. Xcel has sent a message not only to Elbert County, but to all local governments in Colorado that local input is irrelevant, and they intend to use the PUC to overcome any decision that in any way impacts their unilateral decision making.”
Elbert County has continuously stated that it has never sought to block the PowerPathway Project, only to ensure the transmission line is routed in a way that responsibly balances statewide energy needs with local safety, land‑use, and community values.
Elbert County believes it is important to continue to defend local interests so that all interests are addressed.
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With this decision, the Public Utilities Commission, an appointed body of three, overturned Elbert County’s elected officials’ decision to deny Public Service Company’s (Xcel’s) permits, granting PSCo the authority to build their Power Pathway without county approval
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On March 19-20, the Public Utilities Commission heard testimony from Public Service Company , Elbert County, Colorado Energy Office, and PUC staff attorneys.
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On December 9th, the Public Utilities Commission held a Public Hearing in Elbert County. Over 250 people attended and 55 were able to speak, with 100% speaking in opposition to PSCo’s (Xcel’s) chosen route.
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Public Service Company filed an appeal with the Public Utilities Commission to overturn Elbert County’s denial of their permits - something they have threatened since the beginning of their public engagement regarding the project.
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On June 25th, after two days of public hearings regarding PSCo’s (Xcel’s) Power Pathway project, the Elbert County Commissioners unanimously denied their applications. All commissioners agreed that they opposed the route chosen and not the project.
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On June 3rd, after two days of public hearings regarding PSCo’s (Xcel’s) Power Pathway project, the Elbert County Planning Commissioners unanimously voted to recommend that denial of Xcel’s applications.
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Prior to Elbert County officials hearing PSCo’s application, the company filed condemnation suits against 13 landowners who had refused to sign agreements.
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Public Service Company (Xcel) submitted their formal application for their Power Pathway Project to Elbert County.
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Xcel held a pre-application meeting with the head of Elbert County’s Community Development Services (CDS) department
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Xcel reveals their preferred route for their Power Pathway through Elbert County
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This was the first of several open houses held in Elbert County to solicit public input regarding Xcel’s Power Pathway. These open houses were always well attended (200+) with 100% of the input in opposistion.
Featured News
John Rich tasked with protecting American property rights and advocating for landowners
President Trump appointed Rich as Special Envoy to protect farmers, ranchers, and private landowners, especially those affected by large scale solar and wind development.
State regulators overturn Elbert County to clear Xcel’s path to take land
Colorado's Public Utilities Commission overrode Elbert County's elected commissioners to clear Xcel Energy's Power Pathway route, opening the door to land seizures while the line's cost lands on Front Range customers who live nowhere near the towers.
Elbert County residents continue fight over Xcel Energy powerlines
Elbert County residents have spent years fighting Xcel Energy. Their physical, mental, and emotional health is being impacted by this fight.
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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