After 99 years of operation, the Tacoma plant remains a modest part of the larger power grid, contributing eight megawatts of power per hour. It's a "simple, pure concept, using a renewable resource," according to plant supervisor Alfred Hughes. Much of the original equipment still functions, with the addition of newer, digital items that allow remote monitoring around the clock.
While only a small portion of the original flume remains, it is one of only two wooden flumes still operating. Access to the plant is limited to rail service. One employee, Bill Billingsley, and his family live at the site and remain loyal to this grandam of hydroelectric production in La Plata County.
Tacoma capacity is always on standby in case of an emergency such as an ice storm, and would provide power to essential services in Durango including the hospital and evacuation centers. The biggest challenge for the future may be the process of securing re-licensing for the next 30 to 50 years of service.
