SUMMIT COUNTY — Since releasing public comments in March about its proposed substation sites, Xcel Energy has continued its research quietly and remained noncommital.

According to Mark Stutz, a spokesman for Xcel Energy, the company continues to explore its options and a site hasn't yet been picked.

But time is running out — the utility company wants to have the plant operating by the fall of 2011 and would need to begin construction in the spring of 2010.

Stutz said Xcel is also considering some alternative sites “from both a location and technology standpoint,” though no examples were given.

“Technically nothing is out of play yet,” he said “We are looking beyond the three sites, or some kind of modification.”

Public outcry arose after Xcel's last open house in February, where representatives proposed three potential sites on private land for a substation to serve the Silverthorne area — two located on the Daley Ranch and one located on the TYL Ranch. Xcel has identified nearly two dozen potential sites, though only the top three were presented to the public.

Xcel plans to hold another community event this summer to update county residents on its efforts to pick a site for the new substation. A date hasn't been released.

Caitlin Row can be reached at (970) 668-4633 or at crow@summitdaily.com.