Xcel Announces Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati Transmission Project: What Residents Need to Know

Written By Michael Atkins

Xcel Energy is launching the Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati 230-kilovolt (kV) underground transmission line replacement project, upgrading a six-mile-long cable through central and southeast Denver to improve electric reliability and support the area’s growth. Phase 1, running between the Leetsdale and Monroe substations, is now in pre-construction, with activities like field assessments, utility marking, and vegetation trimming already underway. Major construction is expected to begin in early November 2025.

This project directly effects residents who live in South Hilltop, and the map below is highlighted to provide detail on where in our neighborhood this project will be located. These residents, and all of us in Hilltop, should expect intermittent street and sidewalk closures, detours, and noise typical of underground excavation, as crews will install the new system using open trench methods. Construction hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with occasional extended or night work as needed.

Xcel will be hosting three public meetings this November:

  • November 5th at Carson Elementary School 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Address)

  • November 6th at La Alma Recreation Center 5 - 7 PM (Address)

  • November 12th Virtual Meeting 6 - 7 PM (Zoom link is forthcoming)

At this time, Xcel has targeted Phase 1, of which we are included, to be completed by 2027. Further information can be found here.

Phase 1 of the planned underground transmission line. The highlighted portion above shows the impacted areas of the Hilltop neighborhood.

As a board, we highly encourage residents who will be impacted by this construction to attend any of the above meetings, with the Carson meeting or virtual being easiest. If you cannot attend any of these meetings, you may use the details below to provide comment.

To submit comment outside of public meetings:

There will be further discussion of this issue at our November 11th meeting.

Michael Atkins
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