Xcel Energy jumps last hurdles for massive Rush Creek Wind Project
Construction may start in the next month or two
Elbert County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Xcel Energy’s proposed $1 billion Rush Creek Wind Project last week, clearing the way for construction to begin by mid-spring.
The 300-turbine project and 90-mile transition line will span 90,000 acres across five counties and will produce roughly 600 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 180,000 homes. Elbert County will be home to 210 turbines and 41 miles of the transition line, Xcel spokesman Mark Stutz said.
The project, which is the first that will be owned and operated by the utility, was announced in April 2016. Xcel only has a few more steps to go.
An appeal period to Elbert County’s decision closes Feb. 23. The utility ordered 53 turbines from Vestas in June and will now order the remainder, Stutz said….
