In has been suggested that the best course of action concerning the Martin Drake coal fired power plant in Colorado Springs is to have it continue operating for the next 30 years.
According to released statements, utilities would see a $216 million gain. However, when green house gas emissions and other environmental and social costs have been taken into consideration, the Colorado Springs Utilities would avoid spending $753 million if the plant closed in 2019.
These are only two of 12 scenarios that have been outlined by HDR, the engineering firm studying the potential closure of the facility. The full HDR study, containing all 12 scenarios, will be released on December 3, 2013.
Currently, the initial results just outline the costs of keeping the plant open as well as the costs to build a brand new power source. Ratepayers would most likely see a series of rate increases in the future to cover the costs of building a new power source when, or if, Drake is decommissioned.