News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $2.4 Million Contract to Replace Excitation Systems at Flaming Gorge Powerplant

Media Contact: Amee Andreason, 801-524-3769, aandreason@usbr.gov

For Release: May 24, 2016

DUTCH JOHN, Utah. – The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a $2.4 million contract to Koontz Electric Company, Inc., from Morrilton, Arizona, to replace the excitation systems in the three generating units at Flaming Gorge Powerplant.

The current exciters are at the end of their life cycle, most of the spare parts have been used and it is difficult to obtain new parts. The exciter is what provides the magnetic field to the generator and the presence of a rotating magnetic field induces current into the wingdings of the generator, which produces electricity. The exciter also provides the means to manipulate the strength of the magnetic field, so that more electricity can be produced and/or more water released.

Flaming Gorge Dam and Powerplant is part of the Colorado River Storage Project, which provides vital water storage and hydropower generation as well as providing recreation and improving conditions for fish and wildlife.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.