SITE PREPARATION AT THE XCEL ENERGY PEAKING PLANT NORTH OF GARVIN SLOWED TO A HALT AFTER WEDNESDAY’S RAIN, but crews have been doing rough grading for both the future Garvin Substation and the power plant site. In the coming weeks, following grading, work will continue with the installation of stormwater ponds to help manage runoff and support the commitment to sustainable construction practices. Later this summer, they expect to begin installing a turn lane and bypass lane off U.S. Highway 59 to improve safety for both construction traffic and the traveling public, while minimizing disruptions in the area. In the fall, work at the site will include installing underground utilities such as fire protection systems and electrical trenches, followed by the first foundations for the plant’s future combustion turbines. The peaking plant will run for a small portion of the year to supply reliable power to the grid during periods when wind and solar energy are not available and energy use is high once it is operational in late 2028. Photo / Per Peterson
