New ownership brings a potential path forward

A Colorado hydropower company has purchased the Tuxedo hydroelectric project damaged during Hurricane Helene and says it intends to bring the aging facility back into operation.

HydroWest, based near Telluride, acquired the project from Northbrook Energy in October 2026.

The property includes the historic Lake Summit dam, powerhouse and the pipe system that carries water to the generating facility.

Restoring control of Lake Summit

The damaged powerhouse and penstock have limited operators' ability to regulate lake levels and downstream flows along the Green River since Helene.

HydroWest managing member Sam Perry told local reporters the company hopes to restore functional control of the dam by summer 2027.

The company also has a longer-term goal of restarting electricity generation within approximately two years.

Those deadlines are company intentions and are not guarantees that permitting, repairs or funding arrangements are complete.

Why the project matters beyond electricity

Lake Summit property owners have dealt with elevated water levels, damage to docks and boathouses, and restrictions on boating.

Downstream, more predictable water releases are important to kayaking, tubing and other Green River recreation businesses.

County emergency officials have also raised concerns about flood risks while the system remains unable to regulate levels normally.

HydroWest says it has been in contact with the Lake Summit Property Owners Association as well as recreation and whitewater groups while developing rehabilitation plans.

Costs, funding and next steps

The Tuxedo project could be eligible for up to $4 million from a state allocation for damaged dam repairs, but local leaders have said adjustments to the funding legislation remain under discussion.

HydroWest expects to provide updates as engineering and construction milestones become firm.

The acquisition marks an encouraging business and infrastructure development in Henderson County's continuing recovery, but readers should distinguish the announced plans from completed repairs.