Walking the legislative talk of environmental justice
Colorado legislators in 2021 passed a suite of laws that define a new approach for making decisions in this energy transition. What will this mean exactly?
A triumph for wind on the ‘gangplank’
It was a day for triumph as the last wind farm along Colordo’s northern border was completed, giving Guzman Energy 145 megawatts of capacity.
A talk with CEO of Leeward Renewable Energy
Jason Allen explains how wind turbines are becoming more powerful and why he would like to see stability in federal tax credits.
Solar surge on the Western Slope
Several counties on Colorado’s Western Slope have been told to expect many proposals for major solar projects in the next 3-5 years. Here’s why.
Colorado energy gleanings
United Power has joined the Southwest Power Pool, solar trade group lauds Morgan County, and Colorado’s new transmission group slow to get off ground.
New plans for Delta-Montrose solar
Will this revised plan that calls for the kinds of irrigation satisfy county commissioners in Colorado’s Delta County? This is the agrivoltaics story on its edge.
Xcel Energy’s new planning team leader
How will Xcel Energy squeeze emissions to match its promises? The company’s planning team leader Alice Jackson describes many questions that await answers.
An investment to rival those of I-70 and DIA
Xcel Energy will spend $9-$10 billion on new transmission and energy generation as it leaves coal behind. Just how important is this investment?
Solar lipstick on an energy hog
The older house had solar panels front and back — and new windows, too. But the air conditioner couldn’t keep up with heat, even during May. What was wrong?
A huge pivot for Xcel and Colorado
Xcel’s sprawling plans for its giant pivot from coal will dramatically transform the landscape of eastern Colorado. TBD: When will the state’s youngest coal plant close?
Renewable natural gas is hard to find
As Colorado starts squeezing natural gas from bujldings, Black Hills Energy proposes a voluntary program that will primarily use carbon offsets. Renewable natural gas itself is hard to find.
Colorado energy gleanings
Black Hill Energy’s plan for 90% emissions reduction, microhydro at Snowmass, Eagle County’s beneficial electrification, Solar United Neighbors
Good (mostly) in California. How about Colorado?
Colorado has many energy balls in the air. Should a concept called community choice energy help in its energy transition. It has mostly worked in California.
Will electricity supplies keep pace with the warming climate?
Colorado regulators want assurances utilities will have enough electricity for air conditioners on even the hottest of days — such as baked Portland in 2021.
We need every tool to fight today’s wildfires
Fire expert Steve Pyne says New Mexico’s largest recorded fire — one-third still burning — has a lesson for us but it isn’t to stop prescribed burns. That was definitely the cause of New Mexico’s fire. Managing fire needs every tool we’ve got, he urges, with flexibility the key.
Pink slips at Tri-State G&T
A 3% reduction in staffing by Tri-State G&T includes several senior executives, a reflection of the challenges facing the wholesale provider.
Too much of a good thing?
A solar company planning a solar farm on the edge of Pueblo played by the new rules. It wasn’t enough. Neighbors said no way. So did county commissioners.
Kit Carson Electric crosses finish line
New Mexico’s Kit Carson Electric has wrapped up the solar it needs for 100% daytime needs and on June 30 will make its last payment to Tri-State G&T.
After Xcel Energy gets done with its transmission
Xcel Energy has the official OK for a transmission of up to $2 billion in Colorado. What will remain for the new transmission authority “of last resort” to do?
An even worse drought 2,000 years ago
Big reservoirs on the Colorado River are far closer to empty than full. Now comes evidence of a much more severe drought 2,000 years ago. Will this be worse?
