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Cimarron Solar energizes first 10 megawatts
 The first of two major renewable energy projects that will produce solar and wind energy for purchase by Tri-State to deliver to its 44 member cooperatives reached a significant milestone on Oct. 13, when Cimarron Solar Facility’s first module of 10 megawatts officially began commercial operation. The 30-megawatt photovoltaic facility is currently under construction in northeastern New Mexico.
 The 250-acre plant site, which is located within the service territory of Tri-State member system Springer Electric Cooperative, is scheduled to be brought into commercial service in 10 megawatt blocks. "Right now we’re anticipating that the second 10 megawatts at Cimarron will begin commercial operation by the end of October and the final block of 10 megawatts will go into service by mid-November," said Scott Fernau, Tri-State’s senior transmission project manager.
The 51-megawatt Kit Carson Windpower Project is also nearing its startup phase as Tri-State’s project field support, telecommunications, metering and SCADA personnel work through the final phases of equipment testing at the Landsman Creek Substation, which will serve this eastern Colorado wind farm that is owned and operated by Duke Energy Generation Services.
"Once the work is finalized next month at the substation we will be able to start back feeding power to the Duke Energy wind site so that their construction crews can complete their testing and commissioning of the project’s 34 turbines for a commercial startup by Dec. 1," said Fernau.
The Kit Carson Windpower Project is located on a 6,000 acre site approximately seven miles northwest of Burlington, Colo. It is located within the service territory of Tri-State member K.C. Electric Association, based in Hugo, Colo.
Updated: October 25, 2010
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