Thursday Open Thread

3 thoughts on “Thursday Open Thread”

1. My Testimony to the Colorado PUC

   At the Commissioner's Weekly Meeting – 12 March 2025

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   1. As I understand the powers of the CPUC, they are able to act in response to requests that come to them.  Their website says:

      The Electric Section of the PUC accomplishes its mission by issuing authorities to operate, establishing industry rate, service, adequacy and reliability standards, initiating enforcement and compliance activities, and assisting consumers with complaints and educational efforts.

      So what are you trying to get them to do? Stop issuing authorizations to operate?  Set rates differently? Be skeptical of any and all claims about solar, wind, geothermal, and single cycle gas power? 

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      1. Yes and no… (and very fair question)

         First off, they are guided by the state legislation to get us to 80% carbon free power. If wind energy plus backup doesn’t reduce CO2 emissions, they should take that in to account. (I’m not asking them to trust my calculations, I’m asking them to go investigate it themselves.)

         Second “adequacy & reliability” likely mean no more than 35% wind solar. At present they are happily approving even more wind solar.

         Third, they discuss where they see us going and why. I’ll have that in detail in a blog post next week. They don’t control this, but they do influence it.

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