Water over the Dam: A Small Scale Hydro Workbook for Colorado

摘要

This manual is for individuals interested in developing small scale hydropower sites in Colorado. Although small scale hydro is sometimes defined as power production up to 80 megawatts, most developers using this handbook will have projects ranging from 10 kilowatts to 20 megawatts. No information is provided in this handbook about constructing new storage or diversion structures on the assumption that the sites to be developed involve existing dams or minor diversion projects. Topics covered include: who should develop the site, feasibility, water law, permits and licenses, environmental effects, sale and purchase of power, financing, taxation, and equipment selection and consumer protection. Included in appendices are: municipal options for public/private development of hydropower, engineering and manufacturing firms, hydropower, engineering and manufacturing firms, state permitting details, federal permitting details, examples of managed areas requiring consultation, agency contacts, Colorado utility jurisdictions, and recommended avoided cost rates for small power production and cogeneration sale of power to Colorado regulated utilities. (ERA citation 09:025649)