As part of the sustainable energy plan for Colorado Springs Utilities and related to a 2023 request for proposals for 1,700 megawatts of new generation and battery storage, several major projects are underway to provide reliable and cost-effective power for generations to come, the Colorado public power utility said in December.
The projects include:
- Battery energy storage
- New transmission lines to bring additional power to the city.
- Expanded access to natural gas generation
Battery energy storage
Key components for the city’s first battery energy storage system, with a capacity of 100 MW, are arriving at the utility's Jackson-Fuller Electric Substation in eastern El Paso County. The system is targeted for a May 2025 completion date and will occupy approximately five acres on the 12-acre substation site.
"Battery storage technology will play a key role in our efforts to meet state mandates and reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030. It also allows us to store energy generated from various sources – such as natural gas and renewables – and can hold the stored energy for use during peak demand days when it’s traditionally more expensive to generate or purchase fuel on the market," the utility said.
New transmission line investments
The utility plans to construct a 120-mile electric transmission line loop – called the Renewable Energy Gateway Access Loop – to bring more renewable energy from eastern Colorado to Colorado Springs.
In addition to the high-voltage transmission line, the project also includes two new substations – likely in eastern Colorado. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be complete in 2028.
The specific location of the transmission line and substations are still under consideration. "We intend to use existing utility easements and rights-of-way along highways as much as possible."
It will host a series of virtual and in-person public meetings for customers and impacted communities beginning in early 2025.
Expanding natural gas capacity
"Natural gas-based electric generation is a cost-effective and reliable solution as we transition to a new energy future that includes zero-emission renewables and other emerging technologies," the utility said.
The importance of natural gas-based electric generation "isn’t unique to our city. With other energy providers tapping into statewide, regional and national natural gas supplies, available capacity in existing pipelines is nearly exhausted."
To help overcome these challenges, "we are in the preliminary stages of investing in new natural gas pipeline capacity to fuel 400 MW of new electric generating units – much like the units on the former Martin Drake Power Plant site."
Beyond these projects, "we are also fortifying our local electric grid to ensure our substations, transformers and lines are equipped" to provide customers with reliable power.
