BIG THOMPSON POWERPLANT
Aerial View of Big Thompson Powerplant
Big Thompson Powerplant
| Plant Contact: | Paul Sampson Plant Foreman, Flatiron Powerplant |
| Telephone Numbers: | Phone: (970) 962-4230 Fax: (970) 663-2030 |
| E-Mail Address: | psampson@gp.usbr.gov |
| Reclamation Region: | Great Plains |
| NERC Region: | Western Electricity Coordinating Council, Rocky Mountain Power Area |
| PMA Service Area: | Western Area Power Administration, Rocky Mountain Region |
| Project Authorization: | First construction funds were provided by the Interior Department Appropriation Act of August 9, 1937 (50 Stat. 595). The President approved the Secretary's finding of feasibility on December 21, 1937. |
| Project Purposes: | The Colorado-Big Thompson Project is one of the largest and most complex natural resource developments undertaken by Reclamation. It consists of over 100 structures integrated into a transmountain water diversion system through which multiple benefits are provided to the people. The project spreads over approximately 250 miles in Colorado. It stores, regulates, and diverts water from the Colorado River on the western slope of the Continental Divide to the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. It provides supplemental water for irrigation of about 720,000 acres of land, municipal and industrial use, hydroelectric power, and water-oriented recreation opportunities. |
| Plant Purpose: | Hydroelectric power is generated for the project. Water is taken from Flatiron Reservoir, passed through Big Thompson Powerplant, and returned to the Big Thompson River, as needed. |
| Plant Facts: | The plant operates under an effective head of 180 feet and has a generating capacity of 4,500 kilowatts. |
| Plant History: | The water and power control center for the Colorado-Big Thompson Project's reservoirs, powerplants, and transmission lines in Wyoming, Colorado, and western Nebraska is at the Western Area Power Administration facility in Loveland, Colorado. |
| Present Activities: | Normal operations |
| Future Planned Activities: | None |
| Special Issues: | Plant is only used on a seasonal basis, primarily during spring runoff.
Maintenance Costs show an increase in FY-2001 because of the Station Service Battery replacement, the Automation for Trifurcation Gates, and Conclusion of the ROM Items. |
| River: | Colorado River and Big Thompson River |
| Plant Type: | Conventional |
| Powerhouse Type: | Above Ground |
| Turbine Type: | Francis |
| Original Nameplate Capacity: | 4,500 kW |
| Installed Capacity: | 4,500 kW |
| Year of Initial Operation: | 1959 |
| Age: | 46 years |
| Net Generation: (FY 2005) |
8,234,900 kWh |
| Rated Head: | 180 feet |
| Plant Factor: (FY 2005) |
21.4 percent (seasonal) |
| Remotely Operated: | Yes |
| Production Mode: | Intermediate |
Click here for graphs and charts of Big Thompson Powerplant performance.
Click here for information on the Colorado-Big Thompson Project.
Revised December 30, 2005 Hydropower Site Map Help