Xcel Energy opens wind farm on Colorado’s Eastern Plains

Construction has been completed on a 300-turbine wind farm in eastern Colorado that will provide power to over 300,000 homes.

Xcel Energy Colorado’s Rush Creek Wind Project covers nearly 100,000 acres in Lincoln, Arapahoe, Elbert, Kit Carson and Cheyenne counties.

The Denver Post reports that it’s the largest wind farm in the state and the first large-scale wind farm owned and operated by the utility.

Xcel Energy Executive Vice President Kent Larson says the project will eliminate about 1 million tons of carbon dioxide annually that would otherwise be produced.

Landowners and the counties will reap $180 million in lease payments and property taxes during the project’s 25-year life.

The new wind farm will begin commercial operations Oct. 31.