Xcel Energy Initiates Underground Power Line Construction in Boulder County
Xcel Energy has commenced the burial of 1.7 miles of power line in Boulder County as part of a $1.9 billion wildfire mitigation plan. This initiative aims to enhance electrical reliability and reduce wildfire risks in vulnerable areas by transitioning 50 miles of overhead lines underground by 2027.
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Xcel Energy's construction of 1.7 miles of underground power line along 75th Street in Boulder County is part of a comprehensive $1.9 billion wildfire mitigation plan approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission in 2025. This plan includes the burial of approximately 50 miles of power lines and additional enhancements such as equipment replacement and vegetation management.
The 75th Street project is designed to protect critical infrastructure like wastewater treatment facilities and minimize ignition risks in high-risk fire areas. Future projects will extend to U.S. 36, where Xcel plans to bury 5.5 miles of line.
Improvements are projected to add about $9 monthly to residential bills by 2027. Challenges such as steep terrain and environmental restrictions will influence the feasibility of undergrounding in other locations.
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