History
Power generation was initiated in September 1967 at the Blue Mesa Powerplant. Generators were uprated from 30,000 kW to 43,200 kW in 1988. The Governors were replaced in 2001-2002. A new generator step up transformer was installed in 2002.
The Colorado River Storage Project provides for the comprehensive development of the Upper Colorado River Basin. The project furnishes the long-term regulatory storage needed to permit States in the upper basin to meet their flow obligation at Lees Ferry, Arizona, as defined in the Colorado River Compact and still use their apportioned water.
Congress authorized construction of four storage units of the Colorado River Storage Project and 11 participating projects on April 11, 1956, under Public Law 485, 84th Congress, 70 Stat. 105. Additional projects have been added since the original legislation was adopted.
Plan
Generation of hydroelectric power for the upper basin and adjacent areas. The Blue Mesa Powerplant consists of two 43,200-kilowatt generators, driven by two 41,500-horsepower turbines. Each turbine is designed to operate at a maximum head of about 360 feet. One 16-foot-diameter penstock conveys water to the two turbines and also carries water for the outlet works. After branching from the main penstock, each of the penstock laterals is controlled by 156-inch butterfly valves. The main penstock is reduced by a wye branch to the outlet works control valves. Power generation was initiated in September 1967 at the Blue Mesa Powerplant. Generators were uprated from 30,000 kW to 43,200 kW in 1988. The Governors were replaced in 2001-2002. A new generator step up transformer was installed in 2002. Design for draft tube liner repairs. Replace the runner. Western Electricity Coordinating Council, Rocky Mountain Power Area Conventional Above Ground Francis 60,000 kW 86,400 kW 40 years 237,266,642 kWh 2007 Western Area Power Administration, Colorado River Storage Project Management Center 1967 332 ft
