Efficiency Works

Regional utility collaboration that provides guidance and resources to enable customers to use energy effectively in Northern Colorado.

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

Did you know?

Energy projects often take years to move from concept to operation.

That timeline includes resource planning, procurement, engineering studies, environmental reviews and construction.

The ribbon cutting is just the final chapter.

#DidYouKnow #Energy

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

🚒⚡Platte River had a fantastic time joining Fort Collins Utilities at another NoCo Hero Fest.

More than 50 first responder units, nonprofits and community organizations gathered at the fifth annual Hero Fest, a free family event celebrating regional heroes.

Attendees had the chance to tour our emergency response vehicles, chat with our volunteer emergency response team and learn about the importance of safety and reliability in public power.

We’re grateful for this meaningful opportunity to connect with our community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and helped make the day so special!

#HeroFest2026 #PublicPower #CommunitySafety #PlatteRiverPower #EmergencyPreparedness

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

Black Hollow Sun Phase II didn't begin when panels were installed. Years before the first panel was installed, planners were evaluating future energy needs, population growth and resource requirements.

Reliable power starts with long-term planning.

#PlanningForTomorrow #PublicPower

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

💧 On #NationalHydropowerDay, we're recognizing a valuable resource that has helped power our four owner communities for more than 50 years.

Energy deliveries are dependent on water conditions and are predominantly sourced from the Colorado River Storage Project. Today, hydropower provides approximately 10% of Platte River’s energy mix and remains an important part of our reliable future.

#Hydropower #RenewableEnergy #PlatteRiverPower

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

Platte River and Efficiency Works proudly support Colorado State University’s Ram Racing Formula SAE Electric team as they design, build and compete with a student-engineered electric race car. Our sponsorship helps provide students with hands-on experience in electric vehicle technology, engineering and innovation while preparing the next generation of energy leaders.

"Competition this year was amazing. The requirements, collaboration and quality of work we saw from other teams, and the competition itself, was a humbling and inspiring experience. To share this with so many students who have never been to any FSAE competition was a privilege, and walking away with newfound knowledge and a clearer understanding of how to do this correctly is going to equip the next generation well. This was the first time CSU has built two cars in 1 year, and the development of this car and our team culture couldn't have happened without the support of Platte River and Efficiency Works. Building an EV is hard, and now we have a better framework, documentation, and lessons learned. Our team is actively meeting and working towards applying this knowledge as we look forward to kicking off vehicle build for the 2027 season this Fall." -Oscar Whenham, senior mechanical engineering student (now graduate)

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

How does Platte River help keep the lights on across our four owner communities? Through a diverse energy portfolio.

On Aug. 10, our generation resources and market purchases worked together to reliably serve electricity demand throughout the day. Coal, natural gas, wind, solar and hydropower each played a role as resource availability and customer demand changed.

At times, energy purchased through the broader market was also the most economical option, demonstrating the value of regional energy markets in helping utilities deliver reliable, cost-effective power.

A diverse resource mix helps us meet demand while adapting to changing system conditions 24/7/365.

#EnergyTransition #GridReliability #PublicPower

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

⚡ Teaser trailer for the Weld Energy Storage Project!

Construction crews are making significant strides on Platte River's battery energy storage facility. Foundation work, conduit installation, equipment deliveries, cable pulling and major equipment installation are all underway as the project continues to take shape. Work is also progressing on the Severance Substation additions that will support the facility's connection to the grid.

When completed, the Weld Energy Storage Project will help enhance grid reliability and support Platte River's transition to a more flexible, noncarbon energy future.

#EnergyStorage #CleanEnergy #GridInnovation #PlatteRiverPowerAuthority #ColoradoEnergy

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

What do bison, emergency vehicles, power generation and future energy leaders have in common? Take Your Kid to Work Day at Platte River! ⚡

Our young visitors spent the day exploring Rawhide Energy Station, touring the turbine deck of Unit 1, learning about fuel-handling operations, visiting the water lab and getting an up-close look at the work that helps power our owner communities.

A big thank you to our planning committee, employees and families for making this year's event such a success. We can't wait to do it again!

#TakeYourKidToWorkDay #PlatteRiverPowerAuthority #RawhideEnergyStation #STEMEducation #FutureEnergyLeaders #BisonAndBingo

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

Another hot weekend is incoming!

Periods of extreme heat can place additional strain on the regional electric grid.

We appreciate any actions you can take to help support a reliable electric system for everyone across the region.

Here are our tips: https://t.co/R7YLAEYC8U

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

📻Tune into the latest USEA Power Sector Podcast episode featuring Zach Borton, distributed energy resources services manager, and Bryce Brady, manager of distributed energy solutions.

They dive into how Platte River is partnering with EnergyHub to launch the Platte River’s first virtual power plant (VPP) this summer!

The conversation explores how distributed energy resources can help support grid reliability, enhance customer participation and advance Platte River’s resource strategy.

Listen here: https://t.co/s4uU6EcA5Y

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

What happens when temperatures are soaring and solar and wind resources are limited? Dispatchable generation plays a critical role in helping support grid demand. Recent conditions highlight the importance of a diverse energy portfolio to service our four owner communities.

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

When Platte River’s energy transition story is told, many point to the 2018 Resource Diversification Policy. But one of our renewable energy investments was already underway.

The Roundhouse Wind Energy Center was built on decades of planning, experience and strategic investment in wind energy. From early projects like Medicine Bow and Silver Sage to Spring Canyon, each step helped pave the way for Roundhouse’s expansion to 225 MW and strengthened Platte River’s ability to integrate more renewable resources for the future.

Roundhouse is a reminder that the energy transition didn’t begin with a single policy—it was years in the making.

👉 Read more about the project that helped shape Platte River’s energy future: https://t.co/GisGjoU2gA

#EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy #WindEnergy #PublicPower #BuiltOnForesight

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

Hot days ahead!

Check out these energy conservation tips.

If possible, please be mindful of your energy use and consider taking simple steps to reduce consumption during peak demand periods.

Stay cool, northern Colorado! ⚡🌡️

#EnergyConservation #CommunityPowered #GridReliability

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

With high temperatures continuing over the next several days, Platte River is asking customers in our owner communities to be mindful of energy use if they are able.

Periods of extreme heat can place additional strain on the regional electric grid. Consider taking simple steps to reduce consumption during peak demand periods.

Please view our last post for tips to conserve. We appreciate your help and cooperation as we work together to support grid reliability across the region.

We’ll continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. ⚡🌡️

#EnergyConservation #CommunityPowered #GridReliability

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

Thank you to customers in Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland who reduced electricity use in response to our July 20 conservation alert. Small actions across thousands of homes help maintain grid reliability for everyone. 💡⚡

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

Hot weather is here. Before you turn the thermostat down another notch, check out these simple ways to help stay cool and save energy this summer. Which tip do you already use at home? 🌡️⚡

#EnergySavingTips #HeatWave #AmericanPublicPowerAssociation #APPA

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

What's the riff raff with the riprap? We are so glad you asked.

Along the shoreline of Hamilton Reservoir at Rawhide Energy Station, large rocks are doing more than blending into the landscape. They play a critical role in protecting dam infrastructure and supporting long-term reliability for our owner communities.

Learn how proactive maintenance, dam safety evaluations and a culture of continuous improvement help keep our systems strong—one layer at a time.

Read more: https://t.co/SP9qBtL23S

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

We understand that energy decisions matter deeply to our owner communities. The transition to a cleaner energy future is underway.

We are driven by our owner communities’ decisions and our shared goals as we serve them:

✅ Lower emissions
✅ Affordable power
✅ A strong local economy

As a community-owned utility, our responsibility is to:

👂 Listen to our owner communities
🗓️ Plan responsibly for the future
🤝 Make decisions based on sound data

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

🌞 As temperatures rise, here are a few simple ways to stay cool:

❄️Close those curtains! Master the art of sun-blocking like a pro.
❄️Set it smart! Use a programmable thermostat to stay chill.
❄️Time it right! Run big appliances during non-peak hours for maximum efficiency.

Dive into more energy-saving tips at https://t.co/QmjjdHhdNo. Stay cool, stay efficient! #HeatWaveHacks #StayCool #EnergySavings

[Platte River Power Authority @PRPAuthority]

Our Resource Diversification Policy was passed by our board of directors back in 2018, positioning Platte River to be an industry leader in renewable resource transition.

Across the United States, public power utilities are making similar decisions:
☀️Adding renewables
🔋Investing in storage
🏁Deploying fast-start, flexible, natural gas backup generation

Utilities everywhere are navigating the same realities:
⬆️Increasing renewable generation
⬆️Rising peak demand
🤝Reliability expectations that will not be compromised

We are proud to be part of a broader, coordinated shift.