In an effort to maintain service reliability and facilitate the flow of electricity and natural gas transmission data, Xcel Energy deployed a network of microwave communications antennas throughout the Rocky Mountain, Southwest, and Midwest regions. The antennas were proposed on existing or planned monopole towers, lattice towers, utility poles, or other structures at existing and future electrical substations, natural gas meter stations, data centers, and other facilities.
Since 2013, SE Group has been retained by Xcel Energy to evaluate the proposed microwave facilities in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations at 47 CFR § 1.1307(a) and (b), and the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement (NPA) for implementation of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
On behalf of Xcel Energy, SE Group has overseen the completion of more than 75 NEPA Screening Reports, FCC Form 620 (New Towers) applications, and FCC Form 621 (Collocations) applications. In addition, SE Group has overseen the preliminary screening of nearly 100 potential utility pole collocations. Along with evaluating those elements identified in 47 CFR § 1.1307(a) and (b), the SE Group team has prepared visual simulations, completed viewshed analyses and floodplain assessments, and facilitated tribal site visits when necessary.