Tacoma Station

Location: North of Rockwood, Colorado, in the Animas River Canyon; accessible via narrow gauge railroad.

Plant Description: Tacoma is a hydroelectric generating station.

Power Production Capabilities: The plant has three units capable of producing a total of 8.5 MW of electricity.

Fuel Source: Water is stored and then released from Electra Lake Reservoir.

Plant History: The first two units at the plant went into service in 1905 and 1906. A third unit was added in 1949. The plant originally provided power for Durango and Silverton mining operations. Public Service Company of Colorado, a predecessor to Xcel Energy, acquired the plant as part of its acquisition of Colorado-Ute properties in 1992.

Interesting Features: Water for plant operations comes from 18 miles upstream on Cascade Creek, where it passes through a 4,400-foot open wooden flume, one of only two wooden flumes still operating on hydro projects in the United States. Electra Lake provides 22,000-acre feet of storage for year-round operations. The plant’s powerhouse is located in Animas River Canyon and is accessible only by a narrow gauge train or track car.

Environmental Highlights: With water as its only fuel, Tacoma Hydro has no air, land or water emissions.

Community Involvement: Tacoma Hydro provides annual tours to local colleges and vocational schools. It is a popular tour site for historical groups and local hiking clubs.

Contact Information:

• Plant Information and Tour Requests — 1-800-895-4999
• Media Inquiries — 303-294-2300