High Point Substation

Location: Colorado

Areas of Expertise: Substation

Hooper’s Electric Power Division (EPD) is currently working on several projects in Colorado with Xcel Energy, including the construction of a brand-new substation that will expand services in the greater Denver metro area. The High Point Substation Project will bring 230kV of electric power capacity to a new 1,500-acre development. Once completed, the mixed-use neighborhood will feature nearly 2,000 residential homes and 10 million square feet of commercial space. This area of the city was previously undeveloped land.

The project scope includes concrete foundations, a high-security perimeter wall, above and below-grade grounding and raceway systems, steel erection, equipment installation, and low and medium-voltage cabling. Hooper crews will construct a 230kV – 13.8kV substation with two 230kV line positions, one main power transformer, a Metal Clad Switch Gear (MCSG) building, two capacitor banks, and five distribution feeder exits. Work at the site began in July of 2022 and is expected to be completed in May.

One unique feature of the substation will be the high-security perimeter wall. Plans for the wall are still in progress, but increased security measures are being considered due to the substation’s proximity to a major tollway and Denver International Airport.

During the initial construction phase, Hooper encountered drainage issues on the job site and recommended solutions to the owner. To correct the concerns, Hooper crews installed concrete vaults and below-grade conduits to remedy the interface points between the raceway and the site drainage systems.

As the electrical load grows with development, Xcel Energy already has plans in place for expansion. The High Point Substation has room for two additional transformers, two more MCSG buildings, and one additional transmission line to meet the needs of this fast-growing area.