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 […]
Public Utilities Commission
Posted inClimate, Economy, Energy, News
February storm eats up much of Cripple Creek schools’ energy budget for an entire year
Tammy Bruntz had a sum in mind just before she opened her monthly email from Wolf Creek Energy detailing the February energy bill for her Cripple Creek-Victor School District. The figure in her head was about $6,500, a typical midwinter bill for the district in the mountains west of Colorado Springs, and roughly what […]
Posted inBusiness, Climate, Economy, Energy, Environment, News, Politics and Government
Closing all of Xcel’s coal-fired power plants will cost Colorado consumers $1.4 billion
The price tag for Xcel Energy closing all its Colorado coal-fired plants will be $1.4 billion spread over decades — a sum that will be paid exclusively by the utility’s residential and commercial customers. The closure estimates and their financing are part of the $8 billion electric resource and clean energy plan submitted last month […]
Posted inBusiness, Energy, News
Colorado AG asks federal regulators to probe traders’ “windfall” gas profits from February cold snap
The 290,000 Colorado customers of Black Hills Energy could face up to $552 in surcharges over two years to pay for fuel-price surges during the Presidents Day weekend record cold snap, according to new filings with the state Public Utilities Commission. Attorney General Phil Weiser, meanwhile, called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate […]
Posted inClimate, Energy, Environment, News, Wildfire
Xcel Energy looks to avoid Colorado wildfires — and PG&E’s fate — and wants customers to pay for it
Xcel Energy wants to charge its Colorado customers $589.7 million during the next five years to reduce their risk of causing wildfires, but consumer advocates aren’t buying it. Xcel’s subsidiary, Public Service Company of Colorado, has cited the catastrophic wildfires in California started by Pacific Gas and Electric as motivation for the proposal. Xcel, which […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Want to support Colorado firefighters? Take action on climate change.
I love Adams County, and part of my love for Adams County means loving those who protect our residents and our families. Every single day our firefighters run into the flames and put their lives on the line to protect us. I feel compelled to speak about the increasing risk to our protectors when responding […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Time for Colorado utilities to step on accelerator for electric vehicles
Coloradans are pacesetters and pathfinders; we don’t let the way things have been, prevent us from embracing the new. Coloradans are enthusiastic about electric vehicles, and increasing numbers are considering buying electric in the next few years, according to recent surveys. They are excited about the technology, how much money they can save in fuel […]
Posted inBusiness, Energy, News, Politics and Government
Wyoming coal interests funneled money, experts to influence Colorado PUC decision on closing parts of Pueblo plant
When Xcel Energy proposed shuttering two coal-fired power generating units at Comanche Station in Pueblo, a group of “small business” customers intervened to oppose the closure. The group, organized by the Independence Institute, did not reveal it received backing from Wyoming coal interests. The Coalition of Ratepayers, formed by the libertarian-leaning Independence Institute, said in […]
Posted inBusiness, Energy, News, Politics and Government
Xcel wins $41.5 million rate increase, but Colorado regulators balk at charging for repairs to troubled coal plant
Xcel Energy was awarded a $41.5 million rate increase Tuesday by state regulators, but one item the utility was denied was charging customers $11.7 million for repairs to the troubled Comanche 3 coal-fired power plant in Pueblo. In its written decision on the Xcel rate request, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission said Xcel’s subsidiary Colorado […]
Posted inBusiness, Energy, Environment, News, Politics and Government
Tri-State’s bid to move to federal regulation and sidestep increased Colorado scrutiny is rejected
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s effort to move from state rate regulation to federal oversight was rejected Friday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Facing increased oversight in Colorado and New Mexico, Tri-State had sought FERC oversight as a way to unify rate regulation for its 43 rural electric cooperative members in four states. The […]