The term wind power describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind energy is a source of clean, nonpolluting electricity.
Green Power
We purchase one megawatt of wind energy from the Ponnequin Wind Facility, located along the Colorado-Wyoming border. Customers can then purchase blocks of wind energy on a monthly basis. One block is equal to 100-kilowatt hours of electricity (the average home uses about 600-kilowatt hours a month).
Currently, our Green Power program is sold out, but more wind energy is on its way. As part of our Electric Integrated Resource Plan, we are preparing to bring 10 to 100 more megawatts of wind power to Colorado Springs by 2011.
Benefits
By offering a wind power alternative to customers, we help influence future electric generation while building the market for renewable energy within the state. Diversifying our energy supply helps us reduce our reliance on foreign oil, protect our natural resources and lay the foundation for clean, reliable energy for future generations.
Protecting the environment
Careful locating of wind farms can mitigate the main environmental concerns – visual aesthetics, noise and wildlife impacts. Turbine blade design also alleviates noise levels.
The primary environmental concern associated with wind power is its effect on birds. The wind facility's location poses little or no risk to bird or wildlife populations. The Colorado Division of Wildlife found no evidence of raptors at the site, and the number of birds migrating through the area is estimated to be low. The reason: lack of adequate cover, such as trees and shrubs, and too little water to sustain a population of birds in the area.
