Xcel Energy is taking steps to plan for the long-term economic impact of shutting down two coal-fired power plants in Colorado. The utility has submitted a request to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for a “Just Transition Solicitation” to locate future power generation in Hayden and Pueblo. The closures are planned for 2028 and 2030, respectively, and without a transition plan, the communities could face economic devastation.
The proposal aims to identify advanced technologies for low- or zero-emission energy generation to meet energy needs through 2031. Xcel’s plan includes incentivizing developers to submit advanced technology projects. However, not everyone is pleased with the proposal, with some critics expressing concerns about the inclusion of new gas generation, nuclear, and carbon-capture technologies.
Xcel Energy Colorado’s president, Robert Kenney, assures that the company is committed to transitioning employees into new roles as needed. The utility hopes to create a framework that will support the affected communities over several planning cycles. Jack Ihle, Xcel’s regional vice president, emphasized the need for a longer planning process to accommodate projects like pumped hydro, geothermal, and other advanced technologies.
The plan is still subject to approval by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, and no schedule for hearings has been set. Critics argue that the focus should be on clean and reliable energy sources like wind and solar and express concerns about the potential negative impact of new gas generation on the environment and ratepayers. The debate over the future of energy generation in Hayden and Pueblo continues as stakeholders weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of Xcel’s proposal.
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