Colstrip power plant sets generation records

PPL Montana’s Colstrip power plant toppled a 13-year generation record by producing more than 15,737,000 megawatt-hours of electricity in 2005. And it did it while maintaining the highest standards for safety.

“These efforts were the result of great teamwork among Colstrip employees, who continue to raise the bar with their outstanding safety performance,” said Neil Dennehy, plant manager. “This new record shows what we can achieve with focus, dedication and hard work.”

The plant’s total generation for units 1 through 4 surpassed the previous record set in 1992.

So far this year Unit 4 has generated 5,766,276 megawatt-hours, surpassing the record set in 2004.

Unit 3, which has generated 5,724,338 megawatt-hours, is also expected to set a new record on Dec. 28. The previous record was set in 1998. Units 3 and 4 each have about 740 megawatts of generating capacity.

Dennehy credited employees with breaking the records while maintaining high safety standards. Colstrip employees have gone more than three years – exceeding 2 million man-hours – without a lost-time accident.

“Generation records on 20- and 30-year-old plants are significant accomplishments, and I’m especially proud that our employees accomplished this in a safe manner,” he said.

Colstrip’s outage was completed eight days ahead of schedule, which also helped the plant set the new generation records.

Colstrip’s four units have a total generating capacity of 2,094 megawatts. The plant is one of the largest coal-fired generating stations west of the Mississippi River.