Ray D. Nixon Power Plant

Facility information

The Ray D. Nixon Power Plant is primarily fueled by coal and can generate more than 260 megawatts of electricity.

The plant is one of our largest and has been in operation since 1980. In 1999, we added two natural gas turbines near the plant that produce an additional 54 megawatts of power.

As outlined in our Sustainable Energy Plan, we are committed to retiring all coal-fired plants to help us meet our goal of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2030.

We plan to close and decommission Nixon’s coal turbines and related equipment in 2030.

An aerial video of Nixon Power Plant. One large smokestack is visible to the left of a large building. A coal pile is visible behind the plant and a substation is visible in the foreground. Mountains and the very summit of Pikes Peak are visible in the background.Facility tours

Our facility tours are a great way to learn how we generate electricity and the impressive infrastructure required to supply power to our community.

Tours are tailored to fit the specific needs of a school or organization and are free of charge.

  • Age requirement: 5th grade or 10 years & up
  • Group size: Maximum 20 attendees
  • Tour length: One to two hours, depending upon age group and specific needs
  • Day offered: Tuesday
  • Start time: Between 9 and 10 a.m. or 1 and 2 p.m.

Tour participants are required to wear appropriate clothes, which include long pants (no dresses or skirts), closed-toed walking shoes and clothing/accessories for expected weather.

Due to safety concerns, visitors with inappropriate dress will not be able to tour the entire operational facility. We provide additional safety equipment, when required, to tour a facility (i.e. hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection).

Our tour policy

Tour registration form