Elbert County effort to block Xcel's $1.7B Power Pathway upended by PUC

AI Summary

State officials have allowed Xcel Energy to build a large power line, called the Power Pathway, through Elbert County. The county leaders had previously voted against the project. They said the power line would go through important parts of the county and affect how it looks. Many landowners were also unhappy. Elbert County leaders and Xcel Energy disagreed on the route. Xcel Energy even started legal action to take land from some people before getting permission. State officials decided that the need for energy across the state was more important than the county's local rules. They have asked Xcel Energy to pay the county about $2.5 million to help cover the project's impact.