Posted inBusiness, Climate, Energy, News, Politics and Government

Xcel Energy cleared to collect $500 million from Coloradans for storm, but regulators say it can’t happen again

The Colorado Utilities Public Commission on Wednesday gave Xcel Energy the go-ahead to collect a half billion dollars from its customers to cover the spiraling costs of natural gas during a winter cold snap in 2021 — but the commissioners weren’t happy about it. The commission lopped an $8 million penalty off the $509 million […]

Posted inBusiness, Climate, Energy, Environment, News, Politics and Government

Colorado rejects Xcel Energy’s attempt to extend the life of Pueblo’s coal plant by 12 more years

An agreement that would have locked in 12 more years of life for Xcel Energy’s troubled Comanche 3 coal-fired power plant was rejected by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission on Monday. All three commissioners voiced opposition to the deal, citing concerns over the plant’s reliability, the fact that early closure might be cheaper for consumers […]

Posted inBusiness, Climate, Energy, Environment, News

Xcel Energy needs a smarter, greener electric grid. But should Colorado customers foot the $344 million bill for it?

Xcel Energy is pushing for a record $344 million rate increase it says it needs to build a smarter, greener electric grid. But consumer advocates and state regulators are pushing back over the price tag. A major concern is that along with an earlier rate increase and other pending requests since the start of 2020, […]

Posted inBusiness, Economy, News

Colorado’s big electric users could get a 30% discount on power under Xcel Energy’s incentive plan

Xcel Energy got the greenlight Wednesday to create an electricity discount as an economic development incentive for companies expanding in or moving to Colorado, even though state regulators were troubled by what they saw as problems in the plan. The discounts — aimed at companies sensitive to electric prices, range from 30% a year for […]