Colorado Springs Utilities operates three hydroelectric power plants capable of producing 33 megawatts of electricity. Since 1905, Colorado Springs has enjoyed power generated from hydroelectric facilities. Movement of the water through a water wheel turns the turbine and generator to make electricity. Since water power is the fuel that turns the generator, we don't need to worry about pollution. One example of hydroelectric energy is the Tesla Hydroelectric Plant, located near the southwest corner of the U.S. Air Force Academy. An underground water pipeline bring water from the Rampart Reservoir to the northern part of Colorado Springs. The plant is cost-effective and provides energy in the cleanest way possible. Colorado Springs Utilities produced enough energy from our hydroelectric plants during 2001 to meet the electric needs of about 11,000 households for a full year. Both the Manitou and Ruxton Hydroelectric Power Plants have used water from the mountains around the city to help keep our lights working. Movement of the water through a water wheel turns the turbine and generator to make electricity. Since water power is the fuel that turns the generator, pollution isn't an issue. Because of our arid climate, there are not many opportunities to take advantage of hydro power. We have, however, used a water pipeline to bring water from the Rampart Reservoir to the northern part of Colorado Springs. The underground pipeline, which exits the mountains near the southwest corner of the U.S. Air Force Academy, brings water from miles above the city. We used this water energy in 1997 when we built the Tesla Hydroelectric Plant, located at the mouth of the pipeline. The plant is cost-effective and provides energy in the cleanest way possible. | 
