Historic 100 day run on three generating units saves customers $6 million
Power generating units operate under extreme temperatures and pressures. Despite these harsh conditions, generating units 5, 6 and 7 at Colorado Springs Utilities’ Martin Drake Power Plant have run continuously for 100 days or more, saving customers approximately $6 million. It is the first time since records have been tracked by Springs Utilities that three units have met or exceeded 100 days of continuous service simultaneously.
On average, power units in the United States are shut down for maintenance or repair every 50 to 75 days. By keeping generating units on line for more than 100 days
- Overall labor and O&M costs are reduced by not working overtime to restore unplanned outages.
- Incremental costs of purchased power are avoided.
- More low cost energy is available to customers, as are additional sales to regional utilities to offset expenses.
- Lifecycle overhaul cost are reduced.
- Plant efficiency is increased.
“We plan for years to create results like this,” said Shawn Kofoed, Drake Power Plant manager. “These types of continuous runs do not happen by accident. It takes highly experienced employees, and a comprehensive operation and maintenance program to reach this level of performance.”
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