Colorado Springs Utilities addresses recent Drake power plant fire, lays out future plans

The Drake power plant continues to polarize Colorado Springs leaders and residents. Some want to decommission the plant earlier then its scheduled 2035 shutdown, especially after the latest fire at the aging plant. Others say there is reason to wait.

The recent fire at the Drake power plant has been ruled accidental, officials with Colorado Springs Utilities revealed Wednesday evening.

It was an oil leak, explained the CEO of CSU, Aram Benyamin. “It [the oil leak] was touching a surface that was extremely hot, carrying steam.”

The blaze knocked out turbine number 7, but now that unit is back on-line.

“[The fire] could’ve been a big issue,” said Benyamin.

CSU held a workshop to talk about their energy plan and address community concerns following the fire.

“You know it’s an old plant,” said CSU customer Robin Izer.

Izer has lived in the Springs for 26 years.

She says the accident on August 20th is just another sign of outdated technology.

“Putting time and energy and money into repairing an old plant that’s basically 18th century technology,” she said.

This most recent fire was small in comparison to previous disasters at the Drake. In May 2014, a fire caused major damage to the power plant.

CSU officials say they want the future to include renewable resources like solar and wind, but insist switching over to 100% renewable energy takes time.

They’re planning on decommissioning the Drake no later than 2035 and say that getting the Colorado Springs community involved is critical to creating a grid that everyone can live with.

If you missed the workshop, you can attend the next one slated for January. For more information click here.