Frequently
Asked Questions

We are installing 230-kilovolt double circuit underground electric transmission lines between the existing Lacombe and Barker substations, installing equipment and energizing the Barker Substation site, and installing underground electric distribution lines to connect to our existing electric system for the Lacombe to Barker Underground Transmission Project in Denver, Colorado.

The underground electric transmission lines will be installed in 20th Street from the Lacombe Substation west of Chestnut Place to the alley between Blake and Market Streets, and along the alley between 20th Street and the Barker Substation located on the west corner of 21st and Market streets.

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 building new infrastructure to meet current and future needs.

The Denver metropolitan area has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years which has increased the demand for additional, reliable electricity. The system in this area, as it exists today, does not have the capability to reliably serve the additional customer electric need (load growth) anticipated for the future.

Substations play a key role in helping ensure a high-quality power supply for existing and future customers. Additional substation facilities are required to deliver electricity to the load centers where energy needs are the greatest.

Distribution substations, like Lacombe Substation, are a key component of any electric delivery system. They receive electric power from high-voltage lines and reduce these higher voltage levels to lower levels. Once the voltage is reduced, it is distributed to customers by way of electric distribution lines or “feeders.”

Each substation in Denver can provide electricity to a certain number of customers over specific distances. As neighborhoods continue to grow, and demand for electricity increases, substations reach their capacity and become unable to supply enough low-voltage electricity to meet customer demand. We build additional substations, including the Barker Substation, in areas that are growing and developing rapidly to ensure there is enough low-voltage electricity to serve local homes and businesses.

Yes. Energizing the Barker Substation will reinforce our electric system and provide additional capacity needed to deliver safe, reliable electricity to current and future customers.

Xcel Energy purchased the property to construct a substation at the west corner of 21st and Market streets in 1990, and shortly after constructed the building to house a future substation in anticipation of the need for a new electric substation to serve this area. Now that the need for additional electric demand is more imminent, we are proceeding with construction this substation and connecting it to our electric system.

Construction will occur in four phases between 2024 and 2026:

• Phase 1: February 2024 – spring 2024: Electric transmission line open trench installation.
• Phase 2: fall 2024 – spring 2025: Electric transmission line bore installation.
• Phase 3: early 2024 – 2026: Barker Substation and Lacombe Substation construction, limited public impacts.
• Phase 4: TBD: Electric distribution lines open trenching installation.

Schedules are subject to change.

We anticipate construction activities will occur Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. Some night work will be required. On those occasions, we will provide advance notice and work to minimize closures, noise levels and other impacts to the extent possible.

The first phase of construction will begin in early 2024, where we will install electric transmission lines by open trenching which involves digging a trench and placing the transmission line in the trench.

In future phases of construction, we will also install electric transmission lines by boring, which uses a bore machine to create an underground pathway through which the line is pulled.

Electric substations are key components of any electric delivery system. Substations receive electric power from high voltage transmission lines. Electrical equipment within the substations reduces, or “transforms,” higher voltage levels to lower voltage levels. Once the voltage is reduced, it is distributed to customers by way of electric distribution lines, or “feeders.”

We will contact you directly if your home or business will be affected by construction.

During work in 2024, you will notice:

• Marking of utility lines and utility survey holes.
• Road and sidewalk closures.
• Traffic control.
• Temporary changes to access.
• Construction noise.

We do not expect interruptions to your natural electric service. We will communicate with you directly if interruptions are needed, and work to limit them to less than one day.

This website will be updated at least weekly during active construction to show expected impacts to traffic, pedestrians and access. The website will feature an interactive map with current traffic control measures and recommendations for alternate routes.

We will restore work areas to preconstruction conditions as weather allows. Work areas may be left temporarily restored after construction until we can complete final restoration.

Please contact us at our website, email or information line with questions:

• Information line: 720-797-2840
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: XcelEnergyLacombetoBarkerSubstation.com

Stakeholders will be kept informed through multiple avenues including flyers, direct mail, news releases, and open houses. An information line (720-797-2840), email ([email protected]) and website (XcelEnergyLacombetoBarkerSubstation.com) are available for stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback directly to the project team.

Public safety is at the foundation of all we do. We take a proactive approach by implementing safety measures before, during and after construction.

The Project has been designed to meet federal and state standards and safety requirements for installing, maintaining and operating electric infrastructure.

For your safety and the safety of our crews, remember these tips:

• Watch for construction crews and equipment.
• Do not enter construction areas.
• Obey signage and directions from crews.
• Reduce speeds while traveling.
• Observe parking restrictions.
• Remain flexible as work progresses and work areas change.

Our electric system, including substations and power lines, are always monitored by a 24/7 staffed control center. If there is an unanticipated event in the system, the flow of electricity into the system is shut off at a nearby substation to protect the public.

We inspect our infrastructure regularly to check for damage, equipment needing repair or replacement and anything else that might jeopardize safe, reliable operation of our equipment.