Big Thompson
Big Thompson is a 5 MW hydroelectric power plant in Larimer County, Colorado, operated by U S Bureau of Reclamation. EIA-860M lists 1 generating unit here. Its unit entered service in 1959.
As of 2026-07 (inventory dated 2026-07-31) · EIA-860M Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory · eia.gov/…/july_generator2026.xlsx · eia.gov/…/eia860m
- Nameplate capacity
- 4.5 MW
- 5.2 MW net summer
- Generating units
- 1
- In service
- 1959
- EIA plant ID
- 515
Where it is
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- County
- Larimer County, Colorado
- Coordinates
- 40.421, -105.2238
- Balancing authority
- WACM
- Sector
- Electric Utility
Units, technology and status
- Operator of record
- U S Bureau of Reclamation
- Primary energy source
- Hydro
- Technologies
- Conventional Hydroelectric
- Status
- Operating
Big Thompson: FAQ
- Where is Big Thompson?
- In Larimer County, Colorado (CO). The map on this page is placed at the coordinates EIA files for the plant, which locate the site rather than any individual unit.
- How big is Big Thompson?
- 5 MW of nameplate capacity across 1 unit, as of the EIA-860M release for 2026-07.
- Who owns Big Thompson?
- EIA-860M names U S Bureau of Reclamation as the reporting entity. That is the operator of record on the survey, which is not always the ultimate owner.
- Is this the same as Big Thompson LLC?
- Probably, but EIA-860M does not say. The survey records a plant name and a reporting entity — U S Bureau of Reclamation here — not the project company that holds the asset. Project companies are commonly registered as an LLC carrying the plant's name, so a search for "Big Thompson LLC" usually means this site. This page shows only what EIA files, and does not assert a corporate structure it cannot see.
- Is Big Thompson still running?
- EIA-860M files it as "Operating" for 2026-07. Statuses change monthly, and this page follows the monthly release.