Editing Xcel Energy (section)

=== Transmission ===
[[Electric power transmission]] refers to the high voltage power lines for long distance transport of electric energy. Xcel Energy owns and operates 110,000 miles of such lines.<ref name="xcel10k2023"/>{{rp|12}} Xcel has proposed significant plans for updating its transmission system with a budget of $7.4 billion from 2022-2027.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Howland |first1=Ethan |title=Xcel Energy expects to build $1.2B in power line projects under MISO's new $10.3B transmission plan |url=https://www.utilitydive.com/news/xcel-energy-transmission-miso-colorado/629175/ |access-date=21 August 2024 |work=Utility Dive}}</ref>{{Update after|2027|reason=Planned construction should be done}}

The Colorado Power Pathway, approved by regulators in 2022, gives Xcel $1.7 billion to expand transmission infrastructure in eastern Colorado. One proposal in Colorado involved nearly $3 billion in new investment. Construction is subcontracted to Quanta Infrastructure Services Group. Current timelines have most of the project being completed by 2027.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butzer |first1=Stephanie |title=Xcel Energy begins construction for massive Colorado's Power Pathway project |url=https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/xcel-energy-begins-construction-for-massive-colorados-power-pathway-project |access-date=21 August 2024 |work=Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH) |date=7 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

Another proposal in Colorado involved nearly $3 billion in new investment. This was more than nine times the state budget and in addition to the budget for the Colorado Power Pathway program.<ref>{{cite web |title=Xcel Energy Colorado's Power Pathway Project Morgan County |url=https://morgancounty.colorado.gov/xcel-energy-colorados-power-pathway-project |website=morgancounty.colorado.gov |access-date=21 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="weisertranscost">{{cite news |last1=scott.weiser@gazette.com |first1=Scott Weiser |title=Astonished at high cost, Colorado regulators scrutinize Xcel's $3 billion transmission line request |url=https://denvergazette.com/news/business/building-new-high-voltage-colorado-transmission-lines-is-costly/article_e26bccce-a058-11ee-a279-dfdd2499e9aa.html |access-date=21 August 2024 |work=Denver Gazette |date=22 December 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

Expanding the transmission infrastructure is important for adding new renewable systems to the grid. However the cost can be significant.<ref name="weisertranscost"/> Colorado regulators did not approve Xcel's plan to build additional transmission in Baca County which is a large potential wind energy generator. Instead, they sought proposals that involve constructing renewable energy sources connected to the existing grid.<ref name="brashpath">{{cite news |last1=Brasch |first1=Sam |title=Colorado regulators approve Xcel's massive new transmission line for the Eastern Plains |url=https://www.cpr.org/2022/02/25/colorado-regulators-approve-xcels-massive-new-transmissions-line-for-the-eastern-plains/ |access-date=21 August 2024 |work=Colorado Public Radio |date=25 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

In Minnesota, the budget for a new 465 mile transmission line doubled to $1.14 billion and Xcel cited inflationary pressures.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Orenstein |first1=Walker |title=Price for huge Xcel transmission line more than doubles to $1.14B |url=https://www.startribune.com/price-for-huge-xcel-transmission-line-more-than-doubles-to-1-14b/600320218 |access-date=21 August 2024 |work=www.startribune.com |date=16 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Opponents of Colorado's Power Pathway Program highlighted that cost overruns in transmission construction will be pushed to consumers.<ref name="brashpath"/> The Federal Energy Information Administration stated in 2023 that transmission lines typically cost $1.17 million to $8.62 million per mile.<ref name="weisertranscost"/>

Under the Power for the Plains Initiative, Xcel Energy built hundreds of miles of transmission lines and substations totaling $3 billion in investment. The lines supply Kiowa NM, Lubbock TX, and connect other towns in the Texas panhandle.<ref>{{cite report| title=POWER FOR THE PLAINS UPDATE|date=May 19, 2018|url=https://www.transmission.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/microsites/powerfortheplains/files/2018-Power-for-the-Plains-April.pdf|publisher=Xcel Energy}}</ref><ref>{{cite report| title=POWER FOR THE PLAINS |date=May 19, 2019|url=https://www.transmission.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/microsites/powerfortheplains/files/19-05-610%20Power%20for%20the%20Plains%20Newsletter%20P06.pdf|publisher=Xcel Energy}}</ref>

The transmission system is operated on a non-discriminatory basis under the open access requirements of the [[Federal government of the United States|Federal Government]]. This means that all wholesale buyers and sellers of electricity can use the transmission system under the same terms and conditions used to serve Xcel Energy's own retail customers.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}