In Colorado, South Platte Renew (SPR) completed construction on the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) System in October 2019, the first of its kind in Colorado. The system converts biogas from the water renewal process into pipeline-quality RNG that is injected into Xcel Energy’s natural gas pipeline. Since becoming operational, it has generated approximately $11 million in total revenue.
In July, five and a half years after startup, the system fully recovered the initial capital investment of $7.8 million. This investment was jointly financed by the Cities of Englewood and Littleton Sewer Funds. Beginning in August 2025, SPR will generate positive revenue that will help offset sewer treatment rates for customers in Englewood, Littleton, and 19 other sanitary sewer districts in the southwest metro area. The milestone was reached within the original four-to-seven-year payback estimate.
As the system enters its next phase, SPR will continue generating about $2 million in annual revenue. It will also focus on lowering operating costs, improving efficiency, and minimizing energy use to maximize value for customers.