After less than two years of careful mitigation efforts and demolition work, the former Martin Drake Power Plant (Drake) has been taken to ground level – marking a dramatic change in the city’s skyline for the first time in 100 years.
For generations, Drake was a symbol of reliability thanks to the dedicated employees who worked there. Although the plant no longer stands, its legacy will live on as we transition to a new energy future.
Our latest video captures the dramatic transformation of the Drake property through unmatched aerial views and imagery.
Demolition project snapshot
Demolition efforts began in the summer of 2023. From that time through July 2024, the project consisted of more than 83,000 hours of labor and the removal of approximately 8,700 gross tons of metal, filling 770 truckloads.
The demolition project cost about $20 million – a price tag that would have grown without the offsets achieved by selling scrap material.
The Drake demolition effort was particularly complex due to the site’s proximity to densely populated neighborhoods and I-25. A wide range of measures were used to limit dust, reduce noise and protect air quality such as interior and exterior irrigation systems, section-by-section removal of stacks and weeks-long chemical removal processes prior to demolition.
“Any demolition project is a major undertaking, but the Drake project was especially unique due to its location, the plant’s age and how electricity was generated there,” said Travas Deal, chief executive officer at Springs Utilities. “I’d like to recognize our contractor and employees who carefully planned and carried out this project safely and efficiently. I’d also like to thank the surrounding community for their patience and understanding.”
Reason for plant closure
Drake was permanently closed in September 2022 after nearly 100 years in operation. Prior to its closure, the plant’s role had shifted to a peak demand facility. The six state-of-the-art natural gas units located to the west of the former plant now serve Drake’s role as peak generation.
Based on state regulatory mandates aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ongoing operation of coal-fired plants is not sustainable long term. Beyond Drake, Springs Utilities’ only other coal-fired plant located south of Colorado Springs – the Ray Nixon Power Plant – is targeted for a December 2029 closure.
Future of site
The Drake site will feature utilities-related facilities and easements for years to come. For example, the onsite substation and the six natural gas generating units will remain there for the foreseeable future to provide electric grid reliability and resiliency.
Environmental studies of the Drake site will be explored in the future, although specific timelines and details are unknown at this time.
The natural gas units and the closure of Drake are key components of Springs Utilities’ Sustainable Energy Plan, adopted by the Utilities Board in June 2020. The adoption came after an 18-month public process to obtain customer and community input, and an assessment of a growing regulatory landscape that includes aggressive targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to move away from fossil fuels.
