Colorado’s energy umpires are back behind the plate. In “Colorado PUC deliberates Xcel’s new energy plan,” the Denver Gazette’s Scott Weiser lays out how state regulators are weighing Xcel’s ask for 5,000 megawatts of new capacity while business leaders warn the commission not to “artificially” choke the state’s growth. Translation: the lights do not keep themselves on.
Weiser notes skepticism inside the PUC over the size and price tag of Xcel’s plan, pegged at $7.5 billion. Industry folks say if the PUC lowballs the need, Colorado will pay anyway through delays, higher costs, and spooked investors. Meanwhile commissioners are hashing out “just transition” aids for coal towns, a capped “carbon‑free” fund, and a reminder that ratepayers, not shareholders, foot the bill. Another hearing is already on the calendar.
The Bullet Point Brief
- Xcel is asking for 5,000 megawatts over five years; regulators appear ready to trim the $7.5 billion plan. Ball, meet red tape.
- Business leaders to PUC: do not “artificially” constrain forecasts or you will get delays, higher costs, and investor whiplash.
- This was hearing two with more to come; decisions today shape the grid Colorado lives with tomorrow. Patience is not a power plant.
- Commissioners debated coal‑community aid and “just transition” credits; split vote, same bill comes to the ratepayer’s doorstep.
- A “carbon‑free” fund got a $100 million cap, broader oversight, and stricter reporting; next hearing is set. Tick, tock.
My Bottom Line
The operative word here is regulators. Regulators wedge themselves between producer and consumer like a hall monitor at a mosh pit. This economy needs a buttload of new power and it needs it yesterday. China is stringing up coal plants like Christmas lights because they know the new economy runs on reliable electrons, not sunshine and unicorn farts. In Weld, we act like adults. Yesterday the Weld County Board of Commissioners approved a two‑boiler expansion at Fort St. Vrain in Platteville. Xcel’s largest power plant is now in Weld County. Of course it is. Weld feeds and fuels the world. Bring it all, including nuclear. We are ready to generate what Colorado needs. All we require is for the regulators to get the hell out of the way so the grid can grow and the lights can stay on.
