Black Hills Energy completes major upgrades at Pueblo Airport Generating Station to strengthen reliability for Southern Colorado customers
PUEBLO, Colo., March 4, 2026 –With its ability to support renewable energy, provide fast backup power and restart the grid during rare emergencies, the Pueblo Airport Generating Station, also known as PAGS, is one of Southern Colorado’s most important energy assets and the backbone of Black Hills Energy’s electric system.
More than 100,000 customers rely on Black Hills Energy to deliver the safe, reliable electric service they depend on to power their daily lives. Keeping PAGS in top condition is a priority for the company. In 2024 and 2025, Black Hills Energy completed major upgrades and overhauls at PAGS, to strengthen reliability and ensure customers will have the energy they need for years to come. These upgrades included:
- Overhauling one of the plant’s combined cycle gas turbine units to restore the turbine to peak operating efficiency and improve its ability to respond quickly during periods of high customer demand.
- Modernizing the plant’s T3000 control system, the technology that governs how PAGS operates, to reduce downtime, simplify maintenance and enhance the station’s cybersecurity protections.
- Strengthening the natural gas pipelines that supply the facility to extend the life of this critical infrastructure.
- Installing a new fire pump controller to improve reliability and worker safety.
“Upgrading core systems—whether it’s turbine components, controls, or safety equipment—means customers have a more reliable, more resilient source of power they can count on every day and especially during emergencies,” said Ethan Rasmuson, plant manager.
With its “black start” capability, PAGS can restart itself without relying on outside power sources in the event of a major power outage that sometimes accompanies the most severe winter storms. This means that Black Hills Energy Southern Colorado customers will see their power restored sooner under the most severe conditions.
PAGS also provides meaningful economic benefits to Pueblo. The facility supports a highly skilled workforce and good‑paying jobs ranging from plant operations to engineering, maintenance and contractor services. In addition to its direct employment, PAGS contributes substantial annual tax revenue, including sales and use taxes to the City of Pueblo and property tax revenues to Pueblo County, helping fund local schools, public safety, and essential community services.
“We’re proud of the role PAGS plays in Pueblo and across the region,” said Erik Anderson, general manager of electric operations. “PAGS provides a stable foundation—balancing wind and solar, responding quickly when weather changes, supporting good‑paying local jobs, and contributing meaningful annual tax revenue to the community.”
In service since January 2012, this state‑of‑the‑art natural‑gas‑fired generating station produces approximately 1.6 terawatt‑hours of electricity each year, helping reinforce grid stability during periods of high demand. Powered by twin 12‑inch natural gas pipelines, PAGS ranks among Colorado’s top‑producing power plants and consistently delivers dependable energy to communities across Southern Colorado.
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Media contact
Natalie Falbo, Public Affairs Manager (719) 601-7991
Black Hills Energy natalie.falbo@blackhillscorp.com
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888-242-3969
About Black Hills Energy
Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a customer-focused, growth-oriented utility company with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves 1.37 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.
Black Hills Energy
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Natalie Falbo Public Affairs
- March 04, 2026
- (719) 546-5802
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