Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PSCo avoids center pivot irrigation systems in routing transmission lines to the extent possible and mitigates impacts by placing structures at the edge of a center pivot system. These routing details can be evaluated with affected landowners.

Right-of-way agents will work with individual landowners to determine when to avoid construction during the planting and harvesting seasons. If crop damage cannot be avoided, crop loss is compensated in accordance with Colorado’s eminent domain laws.

Livestock is managed on a case by case basis. In some instances, in coordination with the landowner, segments of fences may be removed or access gates may be installed during line construction. In other instances, crews will construct temporary fences and work with landowners to minimize impacts to livestock and their safety.

PSCo will competitively bid the proposed projects’ construction to a list of pre-qualified contractors who are familiar with transmission line construction, minimizing impacts and respecting property rights. At the contractor’s discretion, local labor may be used for less technical portions of the proposed projects.

Line construction involves a series of distinct activities that are performed in sequence, including: vegetation clearing, installation of access roads and gates, staging the structures, foundation construction, framing and erecting the structures, stringing the wires, and clean-up and reclamation. Line construction work is not continuous; rather, it is conducted in phases so delays may be expected between portions of work.

The primary objective of the transmission line clearance program is to keep transmission facilities clear of all tall-growing trees, brush and other vegetation that could grow too close to conductors. Removing tall-growing vegetation at the time of transmission line construction and maintaining it as part of routine maintenance best accomplishes these objectives.

Pre-construction land, environmental and engineering tasks can take up to two years. The route selection process and anticipated impacts are documented in an environmental report. The routes are heard and decided on by local permitting authorities. This process depends on the time it takes to obtain signed Permission to Survey forms, circulate requests for proposals and hire a surveyor, complete the survey and archaeological and environmental reviews, design the lines after incorporating what the surveys reveal and then obtain all the option agreements.