Xcel Energy Initiates Major Undergrounding Projects to Enhance Boulder's Power Grid Reliability
Xcel Energy is undertaking significant undergrounding projects in Boulder, including plans for 5.5 miles along U.S. 36, to enhance grid reliability and mitigate wildfire risks. As Boulder experiences nearly double the average outage duration compared to statewide customers, these initiatives aim to address critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and improve service continuity.
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Xcel Energy is advancing several undergrounding projects in Boulder, including a 5.5-mile line burial along U.S. 36 and work along 75th Street. These projects aim to reduce wildfire risks and improve service reliability, particularly as Boulder residents faced almost twice the downtime compared to Xcel's statewide customers in 2024.
The city is also developing a long-term resilience strategy that may include neighborhood microgrids and battery storage. The current projects are part of Xcel's $2 billion wildfire mitigation plan approved in 2025.
However, the pace of undergrounding remains slow, with estimates suggesting that completing the process for remaining overhead lines could take about 70 years. Public engagement for resilience strategies will begin this summer, and the Boulder City Council is expected to set priorities by year's end.
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