Xcel to build substations in South Minneapolis

Xcel Energy wants to build two new electric substations in South Minneapolis.

Xcel says the area is experiencing rapid growth in population and energy use.

Betty Mirzayi is in charge of the project. She said the new substations will include some helpful modern technologies.

"It would allow us to do remote visual inspections of different pieces of equipment using infrared technology, it'll allow us to then identify potential problems before they become equipment failures, so that we can get out there and do proactive maintenance," Mirzayi said.

Xcel plans to meet with business people and area residents to get input on exactly where the substations should be located. Construction would begin about a year from now, with service delivery by summer 2010.