XCEL ENERGY POWER LINE PROJECT
FYI as you will be seeing helicopters in the area sometime in the near future:
Xcel Energy has a powerline project that is planned for late spring of this year. They will be working on their 0979 powerline; an existing 345kv transmission line, from Red Wing to Pine Island, replacing the top OPGW (optical ground wire). This OPGW is a fiber line that serves as a ground/protection for lightning strikes, as well as a way of communication from substation to substation. Work will be done via helicopter on the entire stretch, but some areas will need to be accessed via ground due to structure placements.
Doug Cottrell
Dcottrell@wsbeng.com
612-427-8133