Shoshone hydropower station in Glenwood Canyon is back online

Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
May 2, 2008

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GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado - The Shoshone Generating Station came back online Thursday after $12 million and 10 months worth of repairs, Xcel Energy announced.

The hydroelectric plant resuming operations restores an important balance among Colorado River water users, the company said, because it commands flows with senior water rights that benefit fish, rafters and other Western Slope water users.

"The Shoshone Station produces 14 megawatts of clean, renewable power," said Lou Matis, vice president of operations, in a news release. "We're pleased to return this key part of our fleet to full operation within our budget and on time. The damage we sustained was considerable, and we want to thank other Colorado River water users for their patience throughout the clean-up and repair process."

The 98-year-old hydroelectric plant is located east of Glenwood Springs in Glenwood Canyon. It stopped working June 20 when one of two pipes that deliver water to the plant broke and flooded the generating station. Xcel had to deal with about eight feet of water and tons of rock and soil engulfing the station.

No one was injured and no residential customers lost service, according to a news release.

Repair work included rebuilding both "penstock" pipes with steel pipe inserts grouted into place. Generators for the two units were rewound and all the breakers, control cabinets, wiring and related components were replaced along with the plant's control system. The new control system improves remote control of the facility, Xcel said.

The plant is one of seven hydroelectric power plants owned by Xcel Energy in Colorado.



Post Independent, Glenwood Springs Colorado CO