Xcel Energy has applied to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for approval to build, own and operate the 600MW Rush Creek wind farm and an associated 90-mile 345-kV transmission line.
Xcel is seeking approval of the its application to acquire the Rush Creek project; a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and approval to seek cost recovery.
The company said, if it receives the go ahead, Invenergy would be the project’s lead developer, while Vestas would provide wind turbines from its Colorado manufacturing plants in Brighton, Pueblo and Windsor.
As well as approval from the state regulator, Xcel will need to be granted land use permits by Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties – all of which will host the transmission line.
If approved, construction is expected to start in late 2017, with commercial operations set for late 2018.
Rush Creek should generate approximately 350 jobs during construction and a $1bn injection into the region’s economy, Xcel said.
Xcel Energy-Colorado president David Eves said: “The Rush Creek wind project would be one of the largest wind projects in Colorado, with the lowest-cost energy on our Colorado system.”
Image: Xcel Energy
Xcel files 600MW Colorado claim
Utility applies to build Rush Creek wind farm and transmission line
By EBS