The term Blue Spruce is overused as many of the so called "Blue Spruces" aren't really that blue. The two that you suggest seem to be ok though, The bluest spruce that I know of is Picea pungens 'Hoopsii'.

The power lines are a concern, but you should be OK as long as you don't directly plant below the lines. Otherwise, given enough time, the power company will top it off.

Yes that Hoopsii does look nice. I hadn't really considered it as it seems to be a bigger variety than the Bakeri or Baby Blue Eyes. I wouldn't want to see the power company chop it off in the next 10-15 years. Would you think the Hoopsii would reach 15-20 feet in that time frame? It is so hard to determine what you can really expect from all the different info online. Thanks so much!

abies concolor 'compacta'

its all about annual growth rate.. the hoopsi is AT LEAST a foot per year.. up to 18 inches ..... easy to figure out how fast it will take to get to the power lines ...

'compacta is 6 to 8 inches.. so twice as long ... to grow to a given height ...

but do know ... that NONE OF THEM.. ever stop growing ... and as above.. its all about how fast they get there ....

maybe someone else can link you to the conifer society INTRO TO CONIFERS wherein growth rates are discussed ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link

Thanks for the information. I bought a bakeri for the slower growth rate. I really like the hoopsii though so I'm going to find a more suitable place to plant one too, not under power lines!