The term "wind power" describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind energy is a source of clean, nonpolluting electricity. The Ponnequin Wind Facility, located along the Colorado-Wyoming border, currently operates 29 wind turbines which generate 20 megawatts of electricity. Each turbine can generate 700,000 watts of energy, or enough electricity to meet the needs of about 225 homes. The primary environmental concern associated with wind power is its effect on birds. The wind facility's location poses little or no risk to bird or wildlife populations. The Colorado Division of Wildlife found no evidence of raptors at the site, and the number of birds migrating through the area is estimated to be low. The reason: lack of adequate cover, such as trees and shrubs, and too little water to sustain a population of birds in the area. Benefits
By offering a wind power alternative to customers, Colorado Springs Utilities is helping to influence future electric generation while also building the market for renewable energy within the state. Wind energy systems do not pollute the air, use water, or tear up land to extract resources. Careful locating of wind farms can mitigate the main environmental concerns - visual aesthetics, noise and wildlife impacts. Strategic turbine blade design also alleviates noise levels. Buying one 100-kilowatt hour block of wind energy for a year has the same environmental benefits as not driving a car 2,400 miles or planting an acre of trees. (Calculation based on information from the EPA's Green Lights Program.) Green Power
Join the more than 1,200 customers currently participating in our Green Power program and help bring renewable wind energy to Colorado Springs. | 
