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?
The Colorado River Compact hasn’t aged well
George Sibley says it is time for the seven states to throw out the the now century-old compact and start over.
Thinking big about wind and water in Wyoming
A pumped-storage hydro project in Wyoming reservoir hopes to get married at the substation with a giant wind project. Are there implications for Colorado?
A short rope for Xcel and pumped storage
Colorado regulators agree that Xcel Energy can ding customers for only $1 million in exploratory costs if it investigates a pumped-storage hydro idea.
Reinterpreting the Colorado River Compact
Relics of construction of Glen Canyon Dam have been exposed by receding waters of Lake Powell. Also exposed have been weaknesses of the 1922 compact governing allocations. Can this document be modified to recognize 21st century realities?
How can a me-first terrorist be made into a hero?
On June 4, 2004, an individual used a bulldozer and guns to terrorize a Colorado mountain town. Even now, some want to see him as a hero. Why?
A new dimension in the Colorado River debate
Climate change adds a new layer to the talk in the fast-declining Colorado River Basin. Net-zero concepts moves forward. Plus planning for extreme weather.
Solar not shining so brightly
Solar companies have been struggling with supply chain issues, the most profound being an investigation into possible violations of import policies from China.
