Commissioners approve Xcel Energy power‑pathways 345 kV transmission segments in Pueblo County

PUEBLO — The Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners approved a 1041 permit for Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy) to construct segments of Colorado’s Power Pathways transmission line that cross unincorporated Pueblo County.

The application, heard as case SLI‑24‑5, covers roughly 37 miles of new 345‑kilovolt double‑circuit transmission line in Pueblo County, with the record showing approximately 26 miles for segment 4 and 11 miles for segment 5 in the county. The proposal also includes equipment additions at the existing Tundra Substation and a new Sandstone Substation east of Boone Road and south of County Road 622.

County staff reopened a hearing continued from Dec. 12 so the applicant and staff could agree revised conditions. Carmen Howard and other staff told the board the revised conditions were mostly clarifications; staff and the applicant also reached clarified language about potential helicopter use for stringing and maintenance activities.

Jennifer Chester, senior manager for siting and land rights at Xcel Energy, explained that helicopters may be used in limited circumstances to string conductor or for maintenance where using a helicopter reduces ground disturbance or accelerates schedule. Chester said helicopters would typically operate from a regional airport (no fly yards were planned in Pueblo County), require FAA coordination and, when carrying external suspended loads near occupied buildings, additional FAA approvals and safety procedures. Chester told the board helicopters would not be used for routine nighttime work: “No. We have to have the pilots have to have good visuals, so we don't fly overnight.”

Gary Sefcovic, a nearby property owner, asked about land acquisition and whether property owners could lease land instead of selling or how easements would affect a long-held family homestead. Jennifer Chester and county staff responded that Xcel generally acquires easements — not fee simple purchases — for transmission lines and that easement holders do not become the underlying landowner. Chester said the easement sets terms for use; property ownership remains with the landowner even after condemnation if used. County staff advised Sefcovic to consult private counsel and offered to facilitate discussions between the landowner and the applicant outside the hearing process.

County staff confirmed that updated conditions and the revised staff memo had been posted to commissioners’ SharePoint before the meeting and recommended acceptance of the updated documents into the record. Staff reported no additional written comments after the Dec. 12 hearing.

After closing the reopened hearing, a commissioner moved to approve SLI‑24‑5; the board voted and approved the permit. The approval carries the revised conditions that staff and the applicant negotiated, including the helicopter-use clarifications, final language on construction practices, and requirements for coordination with county and state agencies (including CDOT for access permits).