By Erin Mathe and CEN Staff

Keystone Resort is receiving a $34,360 rebate check from Xcel Energy for installing energy efficient, variable frequency drive motors on its new River Run gondola. The effort is part of the Motors Efficiency program through the utility.

Sharon Panas with Xcel Energy said the resort is saving enough energy to power 100 homes in Denver for one year. “They installed two new 700-horsepower motors that will save 780,000 kilowatt hours per year, which is four percent of their annual energy bill,” said Panas.

“With its variable frequency drive technology, the lift only draws enough power for the given load at any time,” said Pat Campbell, Chief Operating Officer of Keystone Resort.

For several years, Keystone Resort and its parent company Vail Resorts have proven to be stewards of the environment, committed to developing and implementing responsible solutions to conserve energy and resources throughout its properties. What’s not to like about being responsible, and saving energy and money to boot?

This latest step in efficiency is one of many Keystone is making to bring old equipment up to higher standards. From its chalets and warming houses to its chairlifts and gondolas, there is room for conservation in every building and operation.

“As we replace or upgrade our lift equipment, we will install all new technology drives that will be much more energy efficient,” said Campbell.

Throughout the property, Keystone Resort promotes and engages in resource conservation, renewable energy use, recycling, composting, and other forms of waste reduction, wildlife habitat preservation, and environmental education. In addition to the River Run Gondola energy savings this year, Keystone has saved more than 500,000 gallons of water this ski season with the installation of new equipment and also has saved an additional 320,000 kilowatt hours of energy per year by using more energy efficient light bulbs throughout the Resort.

For more information on Xcel Energy’s new and existing energy efficiency programs, go to www.xcelenergy.com. Select “Colorado” for the state you wish to visit. Under the “Business” drop down menu, select “Programs and Resources.” Then click on “Conservation Rebates and Incentives” to find a list of programs.