Solar, woody biomass and hydropower projects also getting closer to reality
June 18, 2009
Colorado Springs Utilities has approved a Recommendation of Award to purchase 50 megawatts of wind energy from Clipper Windpower. Pending negotiation of a purchase power agreement, the wind project will provide approximately three percent of Colorado Springs’ power beginning in 2011. Wind turbines for the project are expected to be constructed in eastern El Paso County.
The wind purchase is expected to cost up to $273 million over the 20-year contract term. Springs Utilities intends to pre-sell as much of the wind energy as possible to its customers to minimize the base rate impact.
“We’re very excited to provide additional renewable energy to Colorado Springs,” says Jerry Forte, Colorado Springs Utilities chief executive officer. “And with the wind turbines potentially located here in El Paso County, we’ll keep the spending in the Pikes Peak region.”
Wind energy is just one of several renewable energy initiatives that are getting closer to reality at Springs Utilities:
Large solar: The United States Air Force Academy and Springs Utilities are in discussions to build a 2-megawatt solar project to be owned and operated by Springs Utilities and located on Academy grounds. If a formal agreement is made, the solar array could be completed by the end of 2010.
Woody biomass: Springs Utilities was recently awarded a $250,000 Federal Stimulus Fund grant to develop renewable woody biomass as a fuel for electric generation. The program will begin with the burning of sawdust this month and progress to the burning of forest products including pine beetle-killed trees from Pikes Peak region forests. Up to three percent of the community’s electric demand is expected to be met using woody biomass beginning in 2011.
Hydroelectric: The community’s fourth hydroelectric plant is being constructed near Highway 24 in Cascade. Upon completion, total local hydroelectric capacity will exceed 33 megawatts, enough electricity to power 23,000 homes.
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