When Platte River installed its first fiber‑optic lines in the late 1990s, the goal was to strengthen the communication backbone needed to safely operate a modern electric grid. The board approved major investment in 1997–1998 to build a fiber loop … Keep Reading

At 5:30 a.m., Kyle Hicks is already several days ahead. Before most people start their commute, he is watching weather models shift, load forecasts update and market prices take shape. Behind the secured CIP doors, those early decisions help determine … Keep Reading

At the National Coal Users’ Group Conference, a simple show of hands changed everything. As Jace Staponski, senior plant mechanical engineer, wrapped up his presentation on Rawhide Energy Station’s dust collection system, the room went quiet. Then came his question: … Keep Reading

When Rawhide Energy Station first came online in 1984, it marked a turning point for Platte River and its owner communities. It was a promise of reliable, cost-effective power for decades to come. But even the most advanced facilities require … Keep Reading

For many who spent decades at Rawhide, coming back for an outage isn’t just about the work, it’s about being part of something bigger than themselves. Retirees describe a deep sense of purpose and pride in supporting the organization and … Keep Reading

Interview with: Brant Duncan, Brett Johnson, Jacen Kamtz, Everitt Pettit, Danielle Sosa, Albert Rodriguez-Caro It was a mystery, a wet road on a bone-dry summer weekend at Rawhide Energy Station. Operations staff noticed that the main road into the plant … Keep Reading

When you picture a transmission system engineer, you might imagine someone crunching data behind a desk. While Michael Cabida, operations engineer II, does plenty of that, what makes him stand out isn’t just his technical expertise — it’s his ability … Keep Reading

Interview with: Bryce Brady and Zach Borton The energy landscape is changing faster than ever, and Platte River is leading the charge. One of the most exciting tools in this transformation is a virtual power plant (VPP): a sophisticated system … Keep Reading

A bold vision took shape in the late 1970s, one that would power communities for generations and reflect the foresight of Platte River Power Authority and its partners. On Sept. 27, 1979, the Yampa Project’s first generating unit was dedicated … Keep Reading

Platte River Power Authority is the wholesale electricity provider for Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. Their diverse energy portfolio includes hydropower, coal, natural gas, wind and solar. In 2018, Platte River’s Board of Directors – the mayors and … Keep Reading