Shoshone won’t be back online until spring

Posted by egable on August 17th, 2007 filed in Water

Xcel Energy announced yesterday that its Shoshone generating station isn’t expect to be back online until next spring. The 98-year-old hydroelectric plant, located east of Glenwood Springs, was shut down June 20 after one of two large pipes that deliver water to the plant ruptured, causing water and debris to flood the generating station. Approximately 8 feet of water and many tons of rock and soil rushed into the station.

The rupture caused no injuries and no loss of service for residential customers. Xcel Energy has determined that the rupture was caused by corrosion on the exterior of the section of pipe that was buried underground.

Repairs are estimated to cost about $12 million, and will include repairing and upgrading both penstocks. Crews will begin construction in September and are slated to finish by the beginning of spring 2008.

The generating station commands important flows in the Colorado River, which benefit fish, rafters and multitudes of other Western Slope water users.