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Hugo Training Center (HTC) Site Narrative <br />In 2012, the Xcel Energy Hugo Training Center building was designed, permitted, and constructed. The <br />original plans for the site included several future training facility expansions and space to locate a future <br />service center on the north half of the property. A 2017 project added a Gas Village training area west of <br />the HTC building. <br />In 2021, Xcel Energy sought to add outdoor non-energized transmission training lines along the western <br />boundary of the property to address a need for improved linesman training facilities. A project was <br />presented to and approved by the City of Hugo, but it was not constructed. After a thorough review of its <br />training needs, company officials responsible for multiple areas of staff training wished to execute a more <br />complete vision for the site. Staff were directed to create a full site plan. <br />With this filing, Xcel Energy is proposing to construct multiple training operations at the HTC. The <br />company’s vision would have the site become the host for most of the company’s staff training of gas, <br />electrical and nuclear operators in their northern territories. The proposed site facilities and co-location <br />of training staff will create operating efficiencies and provide new opportunities for training collaboration <br />with other utilities’ staff and first responders from throughout the region. <br />Site History <br />-2012 Original Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit <br />o Training Center was approved by City of Hugo in early 2012 which included three phases <br />of a site plan for an approximate 50,000 square foot building and outdoor training <br />facilities: <br />Main building – classroom, labs, offices, conference room, etc. <br />Indoor “electric barn” <br />Indoor transmission training <br />Outdoor training field: electric distribution pole array <br />o Outdoor training field: gas Future Service Center: to be constructed on north parcel <br />-2017 Revised Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit Amendment <br />o Gas Village Training Facility: constructed on west side of property <br />o Site plan included identifying a future building expansion of approximately 12,000 square <br />feet for substation training. <br />-2021 Revised Site Plan, and Conditional Use Permit Amendment and Height Variance Exemption <br />o Approved by City of Hugo in Spring 2021, with 72-ft maximum structure height. <br />o Transmission Line Training Facility – outdoor and non-energized <br />o Project was put on hold by Xcel Energy in Summer/Fall 2021, in favor of a combined <br />Substation and Transmission Line Training Facility – outdoor and non-energized. <br />Site Plans - Present and Future <br />Since this site was first planned, designed and constructed 10 years ago, the Xcel Energy training <br />department and its needs have evolved. Safety is a core value at Xcel Energy, and the development of <br />high-quality training facilities for our employees has been prioritized.