When are Colorado’s last coal-fired power plants closing? 

Xcel Energy’s coal-fired Comanche Generating Station, located in Pueblo, is the largest power plant in the state of Colorado. (Mike Sweeney, Special to The Colorado Sun)

About a third of Colorado’s electricity is still generated by 10 coal-fired power plants. That should drop to zero by the end of 2031.

Coal may be on its way out in Colorado’s power picture, but it’s definitely still here. About a third of Colorado’s electricity is still generated by 10 coal-fired power units around the state. That should drop to zero by the end of 2031 when Xcel’s Comanche 3 plant closes, but it’s still seven years away.

We thought it would be easiest for Coloradans to picture the near future in one graphic, showing each big unit of coal power, from far northwestern Craig down to Comanche, near Pueblo, and when they will be done.

These dates have changed before, and could change again — for the better. As the price of renewable replacements continues to decline, and tighter regulations discourage coal’s pollution, these power plant operators could move up their closures. If so, we’ll put out an update.

Where Colorado’s remaining coal-fired power plants are located- Index of Colorado’s coal-fired plants

Michael BoothEnvironment Reporter

booth@coloradosun.com

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