USAFA, Colo. Springs Utilities to hold environmental open house

Published Sept. 22, 2009

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Academy and Colorado Springs Utilities are scheduled to host an open house on a proposed Solar Array project Oct. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Arnold Hall Ballroom.

The meeting will present an overview of the solar array project as part of an environmental assessment, providing the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed site alternatives.

All comments will be heard and recorded.

The federal government has contracted with Colorado Springs Utilities for the provisions of reliable electric power generation through the payment of an $18.3-million connect charge. As the provider of electric service to the Air Force Academy, CSU will design, build, own and operate a solar array that will generate renewable electricity for use by the Academy. The Solar Array will produce approximately 4 to 7 percent of the Academy's total power requirement.

This project is completely Academy-funded and will not impact CSU electricity rates.

For more information, contact CSU project manager Bill Nixon at 719-668-4095 or bnixon@csu.org, or contact Gail Conners, issues manager, at 719-668-8012 or gconners@csu.org.