Since 1905, Colorado Springs has enjoyed power generated from hydroelectric facilities. Currently, our community's electric system is served by three hydroelectric plants that produce 33 megawatts of energy. The Cascade Hydroelectric Facility is the next hydroelectric project planned for our service area. The proposed facility would be built on the same land as our current pressure-reducing station near Highway 24 and Fountain Ave. (the road to the Pikes Peak entrance). Upon completion, the facility will generate about 850 kilowatts of electricity using water from the Old North Slope. That's enough electricity for about 530 homes. How does it work?
Because water moves at such a fast pace down Ute Pass, we need regulate the pressure before it enters our treatment plants. Currently, we are using a pressure-reducing station. The addition of the Cascade Hydroelectric Facility will allow us to take leverage of our natural resources and create renewable energy for our community. Movement of water through a wheel turns the turbine and generator to make electricity. Since water power is the fuel that turns the generator, the energy created is clean and green. Using natural resources is part of our responsibility to careful resource management, as well as helps us meet Colorado state requirements. The project will not affect water supply to Chipita Park, Green Mountain Falls or Cascade. Project timeline
The project will began in 2008, and we anticipate completion in 2009. About the project - All construction will be limited to the existing property currently owned by Springs Utilities and will include:
- a small power house approximately 30 feet by 30 feet by 16 feet
- a new turbine generator unit in the power house
- a pad-mount transformer approximately 5 feet by 6 feet by 6 feet
- After we completion, we plan to remove the current pressure-reducing station.
- Access to the facility and surrounding areas will be similar to current access. Construction may require occasional, short-term road closures or limited access.
- Customer input will be used to decide the color of the facility, which will blend with the natural landscape.
For more information, contact the project team, attention Gail Conners. Location map
 Current site of water pressure reducing station
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