Disagreements over Pueblo County energy line continue

The fight over a controversial energy line in Pueblo County is heating up.

Pueblo County commissioners heard from both Black Hills Energy and Pueblo West citizens Wednesday morning during a packed meeting over a proposed 40 mile, 155-kilowatt transmission line that would run from Pueblo West all the way to Cañon City.

Pueblo West residents voiced displeasure over the transmission line. They say it would run just a few hundred yards away from their homes, blocking their view of the mountain range and lowering property values.

Right now, Black Hills Energy and the residents both say they are having difficulty discussing these issues but are willing to do so. Concerned citizens want Black Hills to look elsewhere before building an 80-foot line in their backyards.

Another disagreement between the two sides has to do with attracting new business into Pueblo West. Black Hills says a new transmission line would do exactly that, but residents argue that there is no sign of new business coming into town any time soon so why hurt their properties now.

At Wednesday’s meeting, commissioners declined to vote. They want to know the exact dollar amounts for all options, including this route against other routes and an underground line.

They also want residents and the energy provider to work through some of these disagreements. However, Black Hills Energy says this route is the right choice, and has been picked after months of research.

“We looked at all of the different routes that would actually serve the purpose that we need,” said Seth Boutilier of the manager of the project for Black Hills Energy. “From there we narrowed it down to the one that we felt was the best.”

“If the phone rings I would talk to Seth if I called Seth he would answer my calls,” said Randy Ackerman, a Pueblo West resident.

“We’re at a little bit of a stalemate,” said Boutilier. “The options are either don’t build a line and we already know we need to it is a necessity, or underground it cause but we know the costs are considerably more”

But if a transmission line moves in, some Pueblo West residents say they would have to move out.
Including Elizabeth Mielke, who says her husband’s health would be put at risk.

“He can’t even have an MRI because of a pacemaker,” said Mielke. “So now I have these electromagnetic fields right in my backyard?”

Pueblo County commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the issue on November 13th.