As Colorado Springs Utilities continues its transition to a more diverse energy portfolio, investments in a stronger electric grid will help ensure reliable service for customers today and in the future.
Transmission structures and lines are among the most visible elements of the city’s electric system. They support the transport of electric power from generation sources – such as power plants – to customer homes and businesses.
The Kelker to South Plant project involves the construction of an overhead high-voltage transmission line connecting two important substations – the newly expanded Kelker Substation, on the city’s southeast side, and the South Plant substation, located at the site of the former Martin Drake Power Plant.
This work complements the ongoing Midway to Kelker Transmission Line Project, which includes upgrades at the Nixon, Fountain, Bradley and Kelker Substations. The lines provide reliability and resiliency for the community’s electric system by moving electricity from the east and south, where our generation sources are, to the city’s west and downtown areas.
The transmission line between the Fountain and Bradley Substations is now complete, which includes the restoration of El Paso County Parks Fountain Valley Regional Trail.
The route for the transmission lines was carefully selected to minimize impacts on neighborhoods and environmentally sensitive areas while prioritizing undeveloped, industrial, commercial and city-owned properties. Existing transmission corridors were used whenever practical.
In addition, the new transmission poles will be steel monopoles, which are more reliable, fire-resistant and provide an extended lifespan compared to wood poles. These upgrades also help harden the electric system, making critical infrastructure more resilient to severe weather, wildfire risks and other operational challenges.
Project construction began this summer on the Kelker to South Plant Transmission Line and is expected to be completed in 2027. The last mile of the line, near downtown, will be constructed underground.
The two projects, totaling an estimated $93 million, are important investments in building the future of the community and are supported by the customer electric base rates approved for 2024-2029.
