City council at odds on early shutdown of Martin Drake Power Plant

Some members of the Colorado Springs City Council are at odds on the Martin Drake Power Plant’s fate after a fire last Tuesday, August 20.

Richard Skorman, the city council’s president, said the next years will help determine whether the coal plant should be decommissioned earlier than the anticipated 2035 date.

“The safety factor in my mind is number one,” Skorman said. “The older it gets, possibly the more risk there is of a disaster happening.”

Back in May 2014, another fire caused major damage to the power plant. Skorman says the infrastructure’s maintenance costs would be $180 million and not help with the state’s requirements of lowering carbon emissions.

According to a 2018 report by Colorado Springs Utilities, coal was the second largest energy source for Colorado Springs, supplying 37% of the city’s total energy.

Andres Pico, the councilman for district six, says alternative energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines aren’t as effective as coal and natural gas.

“I am in favor of keeping the plant going as long as we can because it’s one of the most cost-effect means of producing power and the reliability is very high,” Pico said.

Colorado Springs Utilities will be holding public workshops to discuss the city’s future energy plan, including the use of more renewable energy sources.

“Public input is very important to us and we want to incorporate the wishes of our customers in our planning,” said Amy Trinidad, the spokesperson for Colorado Springs Utilities.

Springs Utilities will hold its first workshop on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. to gather public input. The meeting will be held at its Conservation and Environmental Center at 2855 Mesa Rd in Colorado Springs.