PRPA’s newest turbine ready for demand

FORT COLLINS – Platte River Power Authority’s newest, more efficient natural-gas turbine began commercial operation at the Rawhide generation site, after a delay caused by the tornado in May.

The turbine was scheduled to start operation on June 1 but was delayed so that Xcel Energy could repair transmission lines damaged by the tornado in the Platteville area. The 128-megawatt turbine, designated as Rawhide Unit F, can be started up quickly to meet sudden electrical demand increases, making it a more cost-effective piece of equipment.

 “Demand for electricity during the summer has grown dramatically in our owner-communities,´ said Brian Moeck, PRPA’s general manager, in a prepared statement. “It’s mainly due to the number of air conditioners that have been installed during the last several years.”

PRPA pointed out that in the last 14 years, peak demand has more than doubled from 312 MW to 635 MW and has generally occurred in July or August. Prior to 1994, demand peaks were more likely in the winter months.

on Facebook on LinkedIn