In this economy, Colorado Springs Utilities is doing all it can to save.
August 11, 2009
Power units operate under extreme temperatures and pressures. Despite these harsh conditions, units 5 and 7 at Colorado Springs Utilities’ Martin Drake Power Plant have run continuously since April 30.
On average, power units in the United States are shut down for maintenance or repair every 50 to 75 days. By keeping the unit on line for more than 100 days:
· Overall labor and O&M costs are reduced by not working overtime to restore unplanned outages.
· Incremental costs of purchase power are avoided.
· When all of our units are running, we are able to sell excess energy to other utilities, helping to offset our overall fuel costs.
· Plant efficiency is increased.
· Productivity increases because all work is properly planned within our three week schedule.
· Springs Utilities customers enjoy relatively low electric rates in the nation due in part to the dedicated, hard working employees within Martin Drake and throughout Colorado Springs Utilities.
“We plan for years to see results like this,” said Shawn Kofoed, Drake Power Plant manager. “This beats the industry average.”
Members of the media are invited to interview Shawn Kofoed, Drake Power Plant manager, on Wednesday, August 12, 10 a.m. at Drake Power Plant, 700 Conejos Street.
Media contact: 719-668-7544
