Greenwood to Denver Terminal Transmission Line Rebuild

Xcel Energy is building a better, cleaner energy future by taking steps to create a smarter and stronger energy grid, for a more secure energy supply. This commitment includes replacing and upgrading infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life.

Project Description

Xcel Energy recently completed work to rebuild and reconductor approximately 15.4 miles of existing 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission facilities to operate at 230 kV in the southern and central Denver region. This project will now provide additional transmission capacity to accommodate up to 1,100 megawatts of new wind power, 700 megawatts of new solar power and 275 megawatts of energy storage, as defined in Xcel Energy’s Colorado Energy Plan Portfolio, which was approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in August 2018. The new line will also improve overall system reliability needed to serve growing customer energy needs in metro Denver.

Following approval of its plan, Xcel Energy met with elected and appointed officials in Denver, Centennial, Littleton, Englewood, Sheridan and Greenwood Village to introduce the project, understand local government permit requirements and answer questions. Xcel Energy also met with Littleton Public Schools, South Suburban Parks and Recreation and other special districts to provide the same project overview and solicit input. In February 2020, the company applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from state regulators to upgrade the existing and aged transmission facilities between the Greenwood Substation and Denver Terminal Substation.

Construction on the highly complex project began in 2021. Crews rebuilt the line within the existing right-of-way and easements, which crossed 10 state and local jurisdictions and special districts, 12 water bodies, five highways and more than 60 other roadways, and a combined total of 13 parks, golf courses, cemeteries and schools. Major construction work concluded in June 2023 and the line is now energized. Restoration continued through the remainder of the year.

If you have any questions or comments, contact us at 303-294-2726 or by email at GreenwoodDenverTerminal@xcelenergy.com