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Morgan County approves Xcel permit to convert Pawnee Power Station from coal to gas
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 4 approved Resolution 2025 BCC 05, allowing Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy) to modify a special-use permit to convert Pawnee Power Station from coal to a gas-fired generating station, adopting an alternate Condition E and requiring coordination with the Brush Rural Fire Protection District within 120 days.
The Board of County Commissioners of Morgan County on Feb. 4 approved an amended special-use permit allowing Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy) to convert the Pawnee Power Station in Brush from coal to a gas-fired electric generating station.
Attorney Kathryn Sellars told the board staff presented two draft resolutions with alternate forms of Condition E governing inclusion with local fire protection. Xcel representatives recommended the board adopt the first Condition E option to preserve flexibility for a longer inclusion timeline. "Their preference is that the Board adopts the first option of Condition E as it provides flexibility and capacity to make sure that they can do the inclusion without having to come back to the Board if it takes longer than 120 days," Area Manager Hans Rodvik said.
Planning Administrator Nicole Hay and county staff reviewed the application and the two resolution drafts before the hearing. Xcel's ROW and permitting specialist, Kalan Falbo, told commissioners the company was "working on all documents required and will submit them promptly." No public comments were submitted during the hearing.
Commissioner Kelvin Bernhardt moved to approve Resolution 2025 BCC 05 with the alternate Condition E; Commissioner Tim Malone seconded the motion and it carried 3-0. The alternate Condition E adopted by the board requires steps to secure an updated agreement with the Brush Rural Fire Protection District or an inclusion order within a 120-day window unless otherwise permitted by the county.
The approval modifies an existing Special Use Permit for property legally described in Sections 17–20, Township 3 North, Range 56 West (also listed as 14940 CO RD 24, Brush). County staff and Xcel representatives indicated they will continue to exchange required documents and agreements following the board vote. The hearing was adjourned at 9:33 a.m.
Next steps for the project include Xcel finalizing and filing the updated agreements and any documentation specified in Condition E with the county; the resolution adopted by the board sets the permit conditions the company must meet.
