Consortium proposes large solar power plant
Helios Energy Partners want to build a 200- to 300-megawatt solar plant. The $900 million proposal calls for a partnership among Pueblo County, Helios and the Pueblo Chemical Depot.
The solar arrays would be installed on land at the depot. The likely customer for the electricity would be Xcel Energy, which is taking bids to add more power from renewable energy sources.
A 200-megawatt plant could generate enough power for about 60,000 homes.
Pueblo County commissioners and the county attorney are review a proposed partnership with Helios.
"We're looking at a partnership with the county in an effort to respond to a request for proposals from Xcel Energy," said Paul Seby, a Helios manager.
Helios is a consortium of three companies: developer KRS Energy, solar panel-manufacturer SolFocus and a financial company that will remain private for now under a nondisclosure agreement.
The group is seeking the county's support for the proposal. In return, Seby said the county could possibly share in the profits besides gaining new jobs and tax revenue for the area.
Seby said the county's support could lend weight to Helios' bid on Xcel's proposal and help the effort to build on unused land at the Pueblo Chemical Depot.
The Army plans to destroy more than 2,600 tons of mustard agent in projectiles and cartridges stored at the 21,000-acre site. Helios is seeking a minimum of 2,000 to 3,000 acres of the unused land.
Related News
Ontario introduces new 'ultra-low' overnight hydro pricing
TORONTO - The Ontario government is introducing a new “ultra-low overnight” electricity plan that can benefit shift workers and individuals who charge electric vehicles while they sleep.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Energy Minister Todd Smith said the new plan could save customers up to $90 a year.
“Consumer preferences are still changing and our government realized there was more we could do, especially as the province continues to have an excess supply of clean electricity at night when province-wide electricity demand is lower,” Smith said.
The new rate, which will be available as an opt-in option as of May 1,…
