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Sustainable Energy Plan

Horizon Utility Campus

A graphic rendering of four natural gas generators next to a geodesic dome. The generators feature short exhaust stacks next to industrial grade machinery.A location near the Colorado Springs Airport will soon feature 160 acres of resources aimed at providing you with reliable, cleaner and cost-effective energy for years to come.

Known as the Horizon Utility Campus, the site already includes a new electric substation opened in 2024. Within the next three years, other additions will include: 

  • 400 megawatts (MW) of new natural gas-fueled electric generators 
  • 100 MW of battery energy storage 
  • Two natural gas gate stations 

Horizon’s 400 MW of natural gas-based generation will include 10 individual generating units that will be similar to the generators located on the former site of the Martin Drake Power Plant. The technology is highly efficient and produces fewer emissions than other options. 

The 100 MW of battery energy storage will likely mirror the size and appearance of our first system located at the Jackson Fuller Substation in northeastern Colorado Springs, near East Woodmen Road and Golden Sage Road.  

Natural gas-based electric generation and battery energy system storage will allow us to make a careful transition to new technologies and renewable resources without compromising the reliability of our services. 

Map of the planned Horizon Utility Campus. The graphic shows multiple purple zones next to Drennan Road, near the Colorado Springs Airport. The largest zone is labeled "future service center," on the east side of the complex. Other purple boxes indicated future gate stations, future horizon power plant, and future battery electric storage system situated around an existing substation and detention pond.Project timeline 

• Q1 2025: Project kickoff

• Q2 & Q3 2025: Public meeting & community engagement opportunities

• Q2 2026: Air permit issued

• Q2 2026: Construction starts

• Q4 2027: Commission of the natural gas generator turbines

• Q2 2028: Natural gas generators and gate stations complete

• Q4 2029: Battery storage complete

How to engage 

As a citizen of Colorado Springs, you own your utility. We are committed to keeping you informed and providing meaningful opportunities for you to have a voice in making utility decisions that impact our community.  

To stay up to date with information about the Horizon Utility Campus project: 

  • Email engage@csu.org with questions or concerns 
  • Leave a message at (719) 668-7765 for our Community Engagement team. We respond in 24 business hours. 
  • Do you have specific feedback about this project? Fill out this form to share your comments.

Photo of a laptop keyboard.Virtual public meeting

Join us for a virtual meeting to discuss this project, answer questions and provide feedback.

Those interested in attending must register using the link below.

Date & time: May 7, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Register for the meeting here

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of natural gas generation?

Natural gas-based electric generation is a cost-effective and reliable bridge fuel that helps us gradually transition to even cleaner energy technologies.

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