News Releases

Shoshone Generating Station resumes operations

Repairs made within budget and on schedule

DENVER - Shoshone Generating Station and the 14 megawatts of power produced there are back on-line, Xcel Energy announced today.

The 98-year old hydroelectric plant, located east of Glenwood Springs, Colo., was taken off-line on June 20, 2007 when one of two penstocks – the pipes that deliver water to the plant – ruptured, causing water and debris to flood the generating station and switching yard. Approximately 8 feet of water and many tons of rock and soil engulfed the station.

The rupture caused no injuries or loss of service for residential customers. Xcel Energy determined that the rupture was caused by corrosion on the exterior of the section of pipe that was buried underground.

Repairs cost $12 million and the work was completed within the 10-month schedule as originally anticipated. Throughout the repairs, the Glenwood Canyon bike path and raft launching pad remained open and in full use.

Crews rebuilt both penstocks with steel pipe inserts that were grouted into place. The generators for the two units were rewound, and all the breakers, control cabinets, wiring and related components were replaced. The controls for the plant were updated and replaced, and the control system was redesigned for enhanced remote control of the facility. A new roof was installed on the building and the office space, which includes a lunchroom, computer room and restroom, was refurbished.

“The Shoshone Station produces 14 megawatts of clean, renewable power,” said Lou Matis, vice president of operations. “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.”

Now that the plant has resumed operations, an important balance is restored among Colorado River water users. The generating station does not consume water, but commands important flows in the Colorado River, which benefit fish, rafters and multitudes of other Western Slope water users.

Shoshone Station started operations in 1909 and has very senior rights on Colorado River water. The station produces power when water is diverted from the river into two generating units. After use, water is returned to the river. The plant is one of seven hydroelectric power plants owned and operated by Xcel Energy in Colorado.

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Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis.