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Home My WebLink About20180471.tiffMICHAEL K. FREEMAN 13377 WCR 84 Ault, CO 80610 February 16, 2018 Wayne W. Williams Colorado Secretary of State 1700 Broadway, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80290 Re: Correction to Disclosure Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-18-110 — Western Area Power Administration ("WAPA") Ault to Husky Proposed Transmission Line Project in Weld County, Colorado Dear Secretary of State Williams: By letter dated February 9, 2018, I disclosed to you that I have personal and private interests which may be affected by the Western Area Power Administration ("WAPA") Ault to Husky Proposed Transmission Line Project ("the Project") in Weld County. As a result, in accordance with the requirements of C.R.S. § 24-18-109(3)(a), I will not be participating in the Board of County Commissioner's ("the Board's") hearing for the Project's 1041 Permit and I will not be voting thereon. Additionally, I will not be speaking with any of my fellow Weld County Commissioners or Planning staff about the Project, and therefore will not be "attempting to influence the decisions of the other members of the [Board] in voting on the matter," as prohibited by C.R.S. § 24-18-109(3)(a). In my February 9, 2018, letter, I stated that the Board had received a letter, "Re: Public Service Company of Colorado — Notification of Intention to Submit Permit Application for New Electric Transmission Line and a New Electric Transmission Substation [C.R.S. §29-20-108(4)(a)] — Weld County," from Xcel Energy. A copy of the Xcel letter was enclosed with my February 9t" letter. I stated in my letter that the Xcel letter was received by the Board on the date shown on the letter: January 18, 2018. However, it has come to my attention that the Xcel letter was actually received by the Board on January 16, 2018, via email sent to us by Tom Parko, Director, Weld County Department of Planning Services. A copy of that email is enclosed. This letter is to ensure that you are informed of the correct date of receipt of the Xcel letter by the Board. Sincerely, Mike Freeman Weld County Commissioner pc: Board of County Commissioners of Weld County 0...42)m M U r Cam+ i O (-1 S octal/ 18- c,c.: C.cLc Be.) , £GCc C K F.) ©QttCot(8- 2O( -Oc- 1 I From: Tom Parko Jr. To: Commissioners Cc: Chris Gathman; Michelle Martin; Bruce Barker; Bob Choate; Esther Gesick Subject: Xcel Energy Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2018 10:36:56 AM Attachments: 3151 001.odf 3152 001.odf 3153 001.odf Commissioners, Good morning. We just received the attached via mail today. Just wanted to let you know that Xcel Energy plans to submit several land use permits this year. Some of them will require a 1041 (Area and Activity of State Interest). They are meeting with staff and applications are forthcoming. Any questions can be forwarded to me, Michelle Martin or Chris Gathman. Sincerely, Tom Parko, M.A. Director of Planning Services Weld County Dept. of Planning Services 1555 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO. 80631 Office: 970-400-3572 Mobile: 970-302-5333 Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. Xcel Energy® RESPONSIBLE BY NATURES January 18, 2018 VIA FEDEX The Honorable Steve Moreno, Chairman Board of County Commissioners Weld County 1150 O Street Greeley, Colorado 8063'1 1800 Larimer St Denver, CO 80202 Re: Public Service Company of Colorado — Notification of Intention to Submit Permit Application for New Electric Transmission Line and a New Electric Transmission Substation [C.R.S. §29-20-108 (4)(a)] — Weld County Dear Chairman Moreno: I am writing to you on behalf of Public Service Company of Colorado ("PSCo") pursuant to the requirements under C.R.S. §29-20-108 (4)(a) (the "Statute") that address the location and construction of major facilities of a public utility. Specifically, I wish to notify you of PSCo's intent to submit a Section 1041 Permit application to Weld County for approval to site and construct a new electric transmission substation (the "Graham Creek Substation") near Eaton, Colorado, and a new electric transmission line to serve northern and eastern Weld County. PSCo will also be submitting a Conditional Use Permit application concurrently to the Town of Ault for a new electric transmission substation (the "Husky Substation") which, together with the Section 1041 permitted facilities, PSCo has named the Northern Colorado Area Project (the "Area Project"). The Area Project consists of approximately 25 miles of new electric transmission lines that would connect the existing Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Ault substation, the new Husky Substation and the new Graham Creek Substation proposed in Weld County to PSCo's existing electric transmission system near the Cloverly Substation. Also, as provided in this Statute, following this notification, PSCo will consult with the County in order to identify specific geographic locations and routes under consideration for the Graham Creek Substation and the approximately 25 miles of electric transmission line described above, and attempt to resolve any land use issues that may arise from the contemplated permit application. PSCo looks forward to working cooperatively with Weld County during this application process for this important facility which is necessary to provide safe, reliable and economical service for the current and future electrical demands of Weld County. Sincerely, Susan Innis, Manager, Siting & Land Rights MICHAEL K. FREEMAN 13377 WCR 84 Ault, CO 80610 February 9, 2018 Wayne W. Williams Colorado Secretary of State 1700 Broadway, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80290 Re: Disclosure Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-18-110 — Western Area Power Administration ("WAPA") Ault to Husky Proposed Transmission Line Project in Weld County, Colorado Dear Secretary of State Williams: Xcel Energy ("Xcel") is proposing to extend a double -circuit 230 kV transmission line from the WAPA Ault Substation to a new Xcel 44 kV Ault Substation in Weld County, Colorado ("the Project"). The Project will require the approval of a "1041 Permit" issued by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County ("the Board") for the Site Selection and Construction of a Major Facility of a Public Utility. I am a member of the Board. It is my understanding there is a high probability the transmission line will cross properties owned by my me and wife, Janine L. Freeman, and/or properties owned by the Mary K. Baiamonte Trust, for which I am trustee. Janine and I first became aware of the Project when we received a notice from Xcel regarding an open house scheduled for October 26, 2017, at the Administration Building for the Highland School District Re -9. A copy of the October, 2017, Xcel notice is enclosed. We attended the October 26th open house. I announced to the Xcel representatives and neighbors in attendance that I was there as a property owner and not as a Weld County Commissioner. In early January, 2018, Janine and I received from Xcel another notice of an open house, this time set for January 24, 2018, at the Eaton Recreation Center. A copy of the January, 2018, Xcel notice is enclosed. We attended that open house; however, at the meeting we spoke only with neighbors who were in attendance and not with Xcel representatives. On January 18, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners received the enclosed letter, "Re: Public Service Company of Colorado — Notification of Intention to Submit Permit Application for New Electric Transmission Line and a New Electric Transmission Substation [C.R.S. §29-20- 108(4)(a)] — Weld County," from Xcel. Although that letter is required by Colorado statute, it does not start the application process pursuant to Weld County Code Section 21-3-310 B. Instead, a person or entity intending to apply for a 1041 Permit in Weld County may start the process by scheduling a pre -application conference with Department of Planning Services ("Planning") staff. It is my understanding Xcel and Planning staff had a pre -application conference (PRE18-0008) regarding the project on January 19, 2018. I did not attend that conference, nor did I speak to any Planning staff members or Xcel representatives about the Covys r>;cc4-tions oar I(.4I t 8' cc : G.. C occ C 1.5 F.) 2018-0471 oalb9/Ig Letter, Wayne W. Williams February 9, 2018 Page 2 conference either before or after January 19tH Because I have personal and private interests which may be affected by the Project, and in accordance with the requirements of C.R.S. § 24-18-109(3)(a), I will not be participating in the Board's hearing for the Project's 1041 Permit and I will not be voting thereon. Additionally, I will not be speaking with any of my fellow Weld County Commissioners or Planning staff about the Project, and therefore will not be "attempting to influence the decisions of the other members of the [Board] in voting on the matter," as prohibited by C.R.S. § 24-18-109(3)(a). Please let me know if there is any other information I should be sending to you regarding this issue. I am providing a copy of this disclosure letter to the Board so that my fellow Commissioners and Planning staff members are informed of my intentions. Sincerely, Mike Freeman Weld County Commissioner pc: Board of County Commissioners of Weld County Xcel Energy Xcel Energy hosting public open house for proposed Northern Colorado Area Plan New infrastructure will deliver improved electric reliability and enhanced customer service You are invited to attend a public open house hosted by Xcel Energy to learn more about a proposed transmission line project in your area. The Northern Colorado Area Plan will increase electric reliability and load -serving capability of the Xcel Energy electric transmission system north of Greeley. The project includes building the WAPA Ault to Cloverly Transmission Line which consists of approximately 25 miles of new 115 kilovolt (kV) and 230 kV trans- mission lines and two new substations. This is a first step to replace the existing 44 kV system in the area with higher voltage transmission facilities. The 44 kV system is one of the oldest transmission assets owned by Xcel Energy with some of the infrastructure dating back to the early 1900's. Pub is Open House Schedule October 26 4 p.m. -8 p.m. Highland School District Re -9 School District Admin Building Board Room 210 1st Street Ault, CO The open house will serve as an opportunity for residents to learn more about the project, view potential route maps, ask questions and provide feedback on the project and potential routes. Please stop by anytime. No formal presentation is scheduled. Find out more information about the Northern Colorado Area Plan and submit comments at xcelenergy.com/northerncolorado. •ig6iaq u! Baal 0£l pue 08 uaannlaq ahue.i Ilinn gaignn saintanats aiod-aifiuis fiu!sn sapnlau! ueid eaad opeaopoa uaagJoN aqt uo uoil3DJ)SU03 10Z08 03 '.ianuag 00t at!ns 'taa-US aawuel 0081 ®3an1VN AS 318ISN0dS3d s(bieua,aax 7 9Zc-01-i t I Jul A5 au3 laaX 10 liewapeii pa iejsibei e s! A6tau3 iaJX I .Jul Affiau3 leox L LOZ O I woasAtaiaualaax Project Components The proposed WAPA Ault to Cloverly Transmission Line includes 25 miles of new 115 kV and 230 kV transmission line, between the WAPA Ault Substation, located approximately five miles northwest of Ault and the Cloverly Substation, located approximately one mile north of Greeley. The first phase of the project includes building approximately seven miles of 230 kV transmission line between the WAPA Ault Substation and a new substation near the town of Ault. Pending approvals, the project is expected to be completed by 2020. Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault to Husky Proposed Transmission Line Project Area Legend Potential Husky Substation Study Area COUNTY ROAD 36 AULT (WA PA) SUBSTATION COUNTY ROAD 34 CONTINENTAL SUBSTATION PIERCE J HIGHWAY 14 �OUN1 Y ROAD SEVERANCE COUNTY ROAL COUNTY ROAD AULT Husky Substation Study Area OPP Potential Transmission Line Segment Highway Local County Road Regulatory Filings AULT (44 kV) SUBSTATION • Xcel Energy filed a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on March 9, 2017 to construct the Northern Greeley Area Plan. When proposing a high voltage transmission line project, investor -owned utilities must file a CPCN application with the CPUC. You can review all regulatory filings on the CPUC web site by entering 17A -0146E in the 'Proceeding Number' field. The CPCN process allows Xcel Energy to proceed with implementation, but does not decide the specific routes and locations of the transmission lines and other infrastructure. Those issues are determined through a separate local government siting process. Xcel Energy will file for development permit approvals with Weld County and the towns of Ault and Eaton. Schedule Pending Approval • 201 I —File applications for Use by Special Review and 1041 Areas and Activities of State with t i s th Weld County • 2016 • 2020 — Begin Construction — Project placed in-service Contact Us Learn more about the project, view detailed maps, submit questions and leave comments at xcelenergy.com/northerncolorado. You can also reach us at 8 ; .6711640 or by emailing northerncolorado@xcelenegy.com. Xcel Energy Xcel Energy hosting public open house for proposed Northern Colorado Area Plan New infrastructure will deliver improved electric reliability and enhanced customer serving capacity P Y You are invited to attend a public open house hosted by Xcel Energy to learn more about a proposed transmission line project in your area. The Northern Colorado Area Plan would increase generation capacity, enhance electric reliability and expand load -serving capability of the Xcel Energy electric transmission system north of Greeley. The proposed project includes building approximately 25 miles of new 115 -kilovolt (kV) and 230 -kV transmission line between the Western Area Power Authority (WAPA) Ault Substation and a location northeast of Greeley where the new 115 -kV transmission line connects to Xcel Energy's existing 115 -kV line near the Cloverly Substation. The project also includes construction of two new substations and the expansion of two existing substation facilities. The proposed project is the first step in replacing the existing aging 44 -kV infrastructure throughout the region with higher voltage facilities. The 44 -kV system is one of the oldest transmission assets owned by Xcel Energy, with infrastructure dating back to the early 1900's. Public Open House Schedule January 24, 2018 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Eaton Recreation Center Aspen and Maple Rooms 1675 3rd Street Eaton, Colorado 80615 The open house will give residents an opportunity to learn more about the project, view potential route maps, ask questions and provide feedback on the project and potential routes. Please stop by anytime. No formal presentation is scheduled. Find out more about the Northern Colorado Area Plan and submit comments at xcelenergy.com/northerncolorado. •tg6iaq 0! pal oci pue pa uaaiv►gaq 6uwfuei saantanats aiod-ap6uis sapnlau! veld eon, opeaop3 uiaquoN alp uo uoiianalsuo0 20308 03 ileAU0Q 00b aUnS 'taaat5 JaWUae10081 c�3dn1VN AS 3181SN0dS3a ®A,6aau31aaX OZ0 Z l L l 1 DUI A6Jeu3 IaaX o ewape�l paioisi6aJ e SI A6iau3 joa> I 314 Abiau3 iaaX L L0Z O I woo A6iauajaax Project Components The proposed project includes 25 miles of new 115 -kV and 230 -kV transmission line, between the WAPA Ault Substation, northwest of Ault, and a location northeast of Greeley where the new 115 -kV transmission line connects to Xcel Energy's existing 115 -kV line near Cloverly Substation. The study area for the proposed transmission line is shown on the map within the dashed line. The two new substations will be located within the yellow alternative transmission route corridors, with final locations anticipated near Ault and Eaton. The alternative route corridors shown on the map are 1200 feet wide, but the proposed transmission line, if built, will only require a 150 -foot right-of-way. Pending approvals, the project is expected to be completed by 2020. Regulatory Filings Xcel Energy filed a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on March 9, 2017 to construct the Northern Colorado Area Plan. When proposing a high voltage transmission line project, investor -owned utilities must file a CPCN application with the CPUC. You can review all regulatory filings on the CPUC web site at https://www.dora.state.co.us/pls/efi/EFI_Search_UI. search by entering 17A -0146E in the "Proceeding Number" field. The CPCN process allows Xcel Energy to proceed with implementation, but does not decide the specific routes and locations of the transmission lines and other infrastructure. Those issues are determined through a separate local government siting process. Xcel Energy anticipates filing for development permit approvals with Weld County r and the Town of Ault. Schedule (PendingApproval) 2018 - File local, state, federal permits 2019 - Begin construction 2020 - Project placed in-service Northern Colorado Area Plan: Proposed Transmission Line Project Area S2ChAliJ�a' �5 :MOM Cover ado MILLIKEN dNS TOWN 'Existing Transmission 230 W 115 kV 44 kV Existing Dlstnbutron Lines s.t sr• ; PIERCE GREELEY KERSEY Project Study Area Proposed-ransm'ssron Project Study Area Alternative Route Corridors Substations Other Substations • Xcel Energy Suostatfons Contact Us Learn more about the project, view detailed maps, submit questions and leave comments at xcelenergy.com/northerncolorado. You can also reach us at x.678.7640 or by amailing northerncoloraddo@xceleneny.com. I!' Schedule & Process 2016-SEPT 2017 • Define project purpose and need • Identify potential project components • Develop initial route alternatives OCT 2017 • Public notification and first open house NOV-DEC 2017 • Continue route evaluation SPRING 2018 • Select preferred route • Submit 1041 Application to Weld County • Weld County review including agency referrals and public hearings • WAPA approval of interconnect agreement • Work with landowners to obtain transmission easements SPRING 2019 • Construction begins WE ARE HERE `‘P'" WINTER 2018 • Second public meeting • Define and evaluate route alternatives within the study area • Submit study routes to Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) SUMMER 2018 • 1041 Permit Approval • Final design Xcel Energy 13 Xcel Energy® RESPONSIBLE BY NATURES January 18, 2018 VIA FEDEX The Honorable Steve Moreno, Chairman Board of County Commissioners Weld County 1150 O Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 1800 Larlmer St Denver, CO 80202 Re Public Service Company of Colorado — Notification of Intention to Submit Permit Application for New Electric Transmission Line and a New Electric Transmission Substation [C R S §29-20-108 (4)(a)] — Weld County Dear Chairman Moreno I am writing to you on behalf of Public Service Company of Colorado ("PSCo") pursuant to the requirements under C R S §29-20-108 (4)(a) (the "Statute") that address the location and construction of major facilities of a public utility Specifically, I wish to notify you of PSCo's intent to submit a Section 1041 Permit application to Weld County for approval to site and construct a new electric transmission substation (the "Graham Creek Substation") near Eaton, Colorado, and a new electric transmission line to serve northern and eastern Weld County PSCo will also be submitting a Conditional Use Permit application concurrently to the Town of Ault for a new electric transmission substation (the "Husky Substation") which, together with the Section 1041 permitted facilities, PSCo has named the Northern Colorado Area Project (the "Area Project") The Area Project consists of approximately 25 miles of new electric transmission lines that would connect the existing Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Ault substation, the new Husky Substation and the new Graham Creek Substation proposed in Weld County to PSCo's existing electric transmission system near the Cloverly Substation Also, as provided in this Statute, following this notification, PSCo will consult with the County in order to identify specific geographic locations and routes under consideration for the Graham Creek Substation and the approximately 25 miles of electric transmission line described above, and attempt to resolve any land use issues that may arise from the contemplated permit application PSCo looks forward to working cooperatively with Weld County during this application process for this important facility which is necessary to provide safe, reliable and economical service for the current and future electrical demands of Weld County Sincerely, Susan Innis, Manager, Siting & Land Rights Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan New infrastructure will deliver improved electric reliability and enhanced customer serving capacity The Northern Colorado Area Plan would increase generation capacity, enhance electric reliability and expand load -serving capability of the Xcel Energy electric transmission system north of Greeley. The proposed project includes building approximately 25 miles of new 115 -kilovolt (kV) and 230 -kV transmission line between the Western Area Power Authority (WAPA) Ault Substation and a location northeast of Greeley where the new 115 -kV transmission line connects to Xcel Energy's existing 115 -kV line near the Cloverly Substation. The project also includes construction of two new substations and the expansion of two existing substation facilities. The proposed project is the first step in replacing the existing aging 44 -kV infrastructure throughout the region with Construction on the Northern Colorado Area Plan includes single -pole structures ranging between 80 and 130 feet in height. higher voltage facilities. The 44 -kV system is one of the oldest transmission assets owned by Xcel Energy, with infrastructure dating back to the early 1900's. Pending approvals, the project is expected to be completed by 2020. Regulatory Filings Xcel Energy filed a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on March 9, 2017 to construct the Northern Colorado Area Plan. When proposing a high voltage transmission line project, investor -owned utilities must file a CPCN application with the CPUC. You can review all regulatory filings on the CPUC web site at https://vvww.dora.state.co.us/pls/efi/EFI_Search_Ul.search by entering 17A -0146E in the "Proceeding Number" field. The CPCN process allows Xcel Energy to proceed with implementation, but does not decide the specific routes and locations of the transmission lines and other infrastructure. Those issues are determined through a separate local government siting process. Xcel Energy anticipates filing for development permit approvals with Weld County and the Town of Ault. Schedule (Pending Approval) 2018 - File local, state, federal permits 2019 - Begin construction 2020 - Project placed in-service Project Components The study area for the proposed transmission line is shown on the map within the dashed line. The two new substations will be located within the yellow alternative transmission route corridors, with final locations anticipated near Ault and Eaton. The alternative route corridors shown on the map are 1200 feet wide, but the proposed transmission line, if built, will only require a 150 -foot right-of-way. transmission.xcelenergy.com Northern Colorado Area Plan: Proposed Transmission Line Project Area •.a_ •t._.r a • 1 4 r • a. es 1 ICEses AUMT—,— SEVERANCE ON —� WINDSOR Colorado Area Plan Study �eortlum dREELEY KERSEY� MILLIKEN EVAS J[)NN(rOINN 1 u' 1 LLE Existing Transmission 230 kV 115 kV --- 44 KV Existing Distribution Lines Kati Energy. GREELEY PIERCE 85 U P JF CR 64 EATON • IL mil. mr. arca, Project Study Area • • Proposed Transmission Project Study Area Alternative Route Corridors Substations Other Substations • Xcel Energy Substations 0 05 1 14 2 1 Miles V Contact Us Learn more about the project, view detailed maps, submit questions and leave comments at xcelenergy.com/northerncolorado. You can also reach us at 1-888-678-7640 or by emailing northerncolorado@-?xcelenergy.com. XceIEnergy w RESPONSIBLE BY NATURE' The proposed Northern Colorado Area Transmission Project consists of the following components: • Ault— Husky 230 kV transmission line o The line will be built from the existing Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Ault Substation to a new Xcel Energy Husky Substation. Husky is expected to be located west of the existing Xcel Energy 44 kV Ault Substation (different than the substation of the same name operated by WAPA). The transmission line will be approximately four miles long and built double -circuit 230 kV capable. Only one circuit will initially be installed and operated at 230 kV. • Husky Substation o This new substation will replace the Xcel Energy Ault 44 kV Substation, which will be decommissioned. The Husky Substation will also accommodate distribution upgrades that increase reliability. • Husky— Graham Creek 115 kV line o The new line will be approximately seven miles and be built double -circuit 230 kV capable. Only one circuit will initially be installed and operated at 115 kV. • Graham Creek Substation o This new substation will replace the Xcel Energy Eaton 44 kV Substation, which will be decommissioned. The Graham Creek Substation will be constructed to accommodate distribution upgrades and improve system reliability. • Graham Creek — Cloverly 115 kV line o This new line will be approximately eleven miles and be built double -circuit 230 kV - capable. Only one circuit will initially be installed and operated at 115 kV. Eight miles of that new transmission will be built double - circuit 230 kV capable. The remaining three miles are already constructed to be 115 kV capable. • Cloverly Substation (Upgrade) o Two transformers will be added to the Cloverly Substation as part of the termination of the new line from Graham Creek and to allow for future load interconnection requests. The Cloverly modifications will also accommodate distribution upgrades. Cloverly Substation will eventually replace the Pleasant Valley Substation, which will be decommissioned. xcelenergy.com I © 2018 Xcel Energy Inc. I Xcel Energy is a registered trademark of Xcel Energy Inc. 1/8/2018 PIERCE .as I I • Sit_1t_WIN\.'r v If a.- a. - i ITT TIMNATH SEVERANCE WINDSOR MILLIKEN PIERCE EATON U r i orthern Colorado Are Plan Study GREELEY EVANS, LA -S ''EL -E Existing Transmission 230 kV • 115 kV 44 kV Existing Distribution Lines KE RSEYS t in M cc v GREELEY R 35 -r 4 0 e U) M IX U — CR=86--= C R 84 La"a1 gbr,rgio Project Study Area Proposed Transmission Project Study Area Alternative Route Corridors Is EATON ilff• 'sr • ai Substations Other Substations o Xcel Energy Substations 14, f S 0 Xcel Energy. 0 0.5 1 2 Miles Hello