Norther Colorado Renewable Energy Society (NCRES) will host Dr. Omar J. Guerra of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on February 22nd for a discussion on the findings from the analysis "Optimal energy storage portfolio for high and ultrahigh carbon-free and renewable power systems," published in Energy & Environmental Science. This paper focuses on a system-specific approach to identify the optimal mix of different types of storage and strategies that allow a path towards 100% renewable electrical systems.

More details and registration link HERE.

In November 2019 the Navajo Generating Station, the West’s largest coal power plant and largest point-source of carbon emissions, produced its last megawatt-hour of electricity. This happened despite four years of pro-coal federal policies and down-to-the-wire efforts to keep the plant open.
Dr. David Hurlbut, a senior analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), will discuss what the closure of NGS means for the long-term decarbonization of the electricity sector. He will also share behind-the-scenes stories of how decisions were made and will discuss efforts by the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe to transition to a post-NGS local economy.

See Colorado Renewable Energy Society’s event details and register HERE.

Colorado Renewable Energy Society’s Northern Colorado chapter (NCRES) hosts Brad Smith from Fort Collins Utilities and Mike Missimer from MGI Mechanical Services on January 25 for a discussion on Air Source Heat Pumps and why they are an excellent option for Coloradans to decarbonize residential space heating.

They'll also explore why heat pump technology can be a key component to decarbonizing our cities, states, and the planet and cover important considerations to take into account to ensure they're the right solution for your home.

Register HERE.

Join Empower Our Future on January 10th at 6pm for the first Empower Hour of 2022.

Ron Sinton Asks: Electricity customers can enable low-cost clean power. Will they?

For grids moving towards clean energy, customers can play an important role in accelerating the transition by literally demanding clean energy This talk will be both aspirational and pragmatic, with proven solutions but also a more radical proposal to use an understanding of renewables in order to use power as if the clean-power grid that we want exists, in order to proactively pull it into reality. Register for the event HERE.

Many Americans have grown concerned about the monopoly power that Big Tech corporations wield. But few people realize that the problem of concentrated private power also infects the electricity sector. In most regions, electricity is controlled by a single investor-owned utility with a government-granted monopoly. Across the country, powerful utilities are actively blocking decentralized solar energy, degrading the reliability of the power lines even as they raise prices, and failing to make the grid investments needed for a clean, carbon-free future.

Join the Institute for Local Self-Reliance for an inspiring conversation with advocates who are taking on electric utility monopolies with the aim of accelerating the shift to clean energy and winning democratic community control!

Register for the event HERE.

Please attend Xcel's rate case hearing on Wednesday, January 19th from 4pm to 6pm and tell the PUC commissioners that Xcel doesn't need any more profits! They are asking for a $182 million base rate increase (settlement agreement, item 22 on page 9) even though they already have after-tax profits of over half a billion dollars a year and the increase in profits far outstrip the energy sold. Sign up to provide public comments HERE with talking points and relevant documents below.

1. Excessive Profits and Rate Increases! Xcel's after-tax profits in 2020 being over $588 million (Slide 66 in the this EEI PPT) - they may want a rate increase, but they don't really need one! (The proposed Settlement Agreement before the PUC calls for a net rate base increase of $182 million - the highest single rate case increase ever seen! See Xcel's Profits and Rate Increase Slides.

2. Paying for Pueblo Unit 3 - with Full Profits for Xcel! We have been paying 100% return of (depreciation) and return on (profits) for Pueblo Unit 3 but we are getting a lot less than 100% of its previously projected production and it was always a terrible idea anyways. This is an abuse of Xcel's Colorado ratepayers and the PUC should be correcting this abuse as called for in CRS 40-3-102. It is beyond unconscionable for us to be paying for coal burning now when over 1000 of our neighbors have had their homes incinerated by the hot, dry, climate driven conditions in December! Beyond that, there are millions of people suffering around the world because of our carbon and methane emissions. We shouldn't be paying for these! Even if Xcel backs down the operation of Pueblo Unit 3, they want to keep earning their full level of profits on Pueblo Unit 3 into the 2030s - way beyond unconscionable.

3. Paying for a Fossil Fuel Dominated System! While Xcel is moving in the right direction, they are still over 50% fossil fuel generation - this is, again, unconscionable given the abundant, low-cost wind and solar available in Colorado. The PUC is supposed to make sure that Xcel's facilities promote public health and safety (CRS 40-3-101 (2)). Clearly Xcel's Colorado system is not good for public health and safety. We shouldn't have to pay for such dirty and expensive generation any longer - again, this is an abuse that needs to be corrected!

4. $9.9 Billion in Spending by Xcel in Colorado Over the Next 5 Years - HELP! Xcel wants to spend over $9.9 billion in Colorado (slide 69 in EEI PPT) over the next decade. This is likely to be close to catastrophic for our bills. The PUC should be exercising very strong control over Xcel and its spending to ensure that it doesn't keep driving our bills and their profits up at a time when the cost of carbon-free alternatives keeps dropping (life under a monopoly)!

PUC Public Comment Hearing

Thursday, December 2, 2021, 4-6 pm via Zoom

Xcel's Colorado Electric Resource Plan (Proceeding 21A-0141E)

Please mark your calendars and start thinking about your ideas for a statement to the Public Utilities Commission (aka "PUC"). Everyone is welcome and needed!

This is a remarkable opportunity to accelerate the decarbonization of Xcel's electricity and reducing Colorado's carbon emissions by over 5 million tons a year - the equivalent of taking 1 million or more cars off the road!

High level talking points and full Zoom details below.

Key High Level Messages for the PUC

1) This is "Code Red" for the planet. Please have the courage to move more quickly

• Colorado has abundant wind, solar, storage and demand-side potential that is untapped. It is technically and economically feasible - now! Let's move faster.

• We don't need to worry (much) about what happens at 80% renewable generation until we get there. Xcel is still below 40% renewable generation in Colorado. We can and must move faster.

• Natural gas is not a good long term solution. There is a "Social Cost of Methane" and SB21-246 (Section 4) as signed by the Governor directs you to consider the Social Cost of Methane in Electric Resource Planning.

• Profiting from coal for another 18 years is unconscionable. Colorado's coal plants should all be phased out in the next 5-7 years at the latest.

2) Don't "Discount" or Dump On the Next Generation

• Xcel is discounting future costs at their cost of capital (6.53%). This has the effect of "discounting" the future - including future fuel and climate costs. That isn't OK! The last PUC had sensitivity runs at 3% and 0% discount rates. This should be done again.

• Xcel wants to keep profiting from their colossal mistake - the Pueblo Unit 3 coal plant (the one they call "Comanche 3") until 2039! It is beyond unconscionable to be profiting from coal at this stage in the climate crisis. This needs to stop.

• Xcel has proposed that the next generation pay off Pueblo Unit 3 through "securitization" in 2039. This is horrible thing to do to people who were in elementary school when Xcel pushed the coal plant through. Don't "dump" on future generations in this way. Postpone the decision on "asset recovery" until there has been a full airing of all the issues.

3) The Main Thing Standing in the Way of Faster Progress is Xcel's Desire for Ever-More Profits in Colorado

• Xcel had $588 million in after-tax profits in Colorado in 2020. They don't need more profits - but of course they want them!

• Xcel is asking for a 12% rate increase for residential and commercial customers. Only a monopoly would ask to keep charging more for a product that keeps costing less!

• Xcel has announced plans to spend over $9.9 billion on capital expenditures in Colorado over the next five years alone - then they expect their customers to pay that off plus profit for Xcel's shareholders. Please stop them from spending so much money and continually driving up our rates.

Wind, solar, storage and demand-management options are likely to be much cheaper than what Xcel is proposing - and they will obviously be cleaner!

PLEASE ASK THE PUC COMMISSIONERS TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO MAKE XCEL MOVE FASTER, CLEANER AND CHEAPER!

The Commissioners need to hear from ALL of us! Please mark your calendars for the PUC Public Hearing:

Thursday December 2, 2021 4-6 pm via Zoom.

PUC: Public Comment HRG: 21A-0141E Public Service of Colorado - 2021 ERP and CEP, C3

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83479357567?pwd=S1dwQ1N6WGpVMS9idi80cHpKUUh6UT09
Meeting ID: 834 7935 7567
Passcode: 652541
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83479357567#,,,,*652541# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,83479357567#,,,,*652541# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 834 7935 7567
Passcode: 652541
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kjXjiccrH

Public Comment Hearing

December 2, 2021 4-6 pm Virtual

Xcel's Colorado Electric Resource Plan (Proceeding 21A-0141E)

Please mark your calendars and start thinking about your ideas for a statement to the Public Utilities Commission (aka "PUC"). Everyone is welcome and needed!

This is a remarkable opportunity to accelerate the decarbonization of Xcel's electricity and reducing Colorado's carbon emissions by over 5 million tons a year - the equivalent of taking 1 million or more cars off the road!

Citizen Trainings will be held with the third session’s information and all talking points below. All trainings will cover similar material. We are offering several trainings to accommodate holiday schedules. The sessions will not be recorded so please try to attend yourself.

Citizen Training for PUC Hearing Xcel Colorado Electric Resource Plan

Tuesday, November 30, 2021, 7 pm Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87164424002?pwd=a1FBUE9XditVeEJNUEtjUzVtK1orUT09

Key High Level Messages for the PUC

1) This is "Code Red" for the planet. Please have the courage to move more quickly

• Colorado has abundant wind, solar, storage and demand-side potential that is untapped. It is technically and economically feasible - now! Let's move faster.

• We don't need to worry (much) about what happens at 80% renewable generation until we get there. Xcel is still below 40% renewable generation in Colorado. We can and must move faster.

• Natural gas is not a good long term solution. There is a "Social Cost of Methane" and SB21-246 (Section 4) as signed by the Governor directs you to consider the Social Cost of Methane in Electric Resource Planning.

• Profiting from coal for another 18 years is unconscionable. Colorado's coal plants should all be phased out in the next 5-7 years at the latest.

2) Don't "Discount" or Dump On the Next Generation

• Xcel is discounting future costs at their cost of capital (6.53%). This has the effect of "discounting" the future - including future fuel and climate costs. That isn't OK! The last PUC had sensitivity runs at 3% and 0% discount rates. This should be done again.

• Xcel wants to keep profiting from their colossal mistake - the Pueblo Unit 3 coal plant (the one they call "Comanche 3") until 2039! It is beyond unconscionable to be profiting from coal at this stage in the climate crisis. This needs to stop.

• Xcel has proposed that the next generation pay off Pueblo Unit 3 through "securitization" in 2039. This is horrible thing to do to people who were in elementary school when Xcel pushed the coal plant through. Don't "dump" on future generations in this way. Postpone the decision on "asset recovery" until there has been a full airing of all the issues.

3) The Main Thing Standing in the Way of Faster Progress is Xcel's Desire for Ever-More Profits in Colorado

• Xcel had $588 million in after-tax profits in Colorado in 2020. They don't need more profits - but of course they want them!

• Xcel is asking for a 12% rate increase for residential and commercial customers. Only a monopoly would ask to keep charging more for a product that keeps costing less!

• Xcel has announced plans to spend over $9.9 billion on capital expenditures in Colorado over the next five years alone - then they expect their customers to pay that off plus profit for Xcel's shareholders. Please stop them from spending so much money and continually driving up our rates.

Wind, solar, storage and demand-management options are likely to be much cheaper than what Xcel is proposing - and they will obviously be cleaner!

PLEASE ASK THE PUC COMMISSIONERS TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO MAKE XCEL MOVE FASTER, CLEANER AND CHEAPER!

The Commissioners need to hear from ALL of us! Please mark your calendars for the PUC Public Hearing:

Thursday December 2, 2021 4-6 pm via Zoom. Full details HERE

PUC: Public Comment HRG: 21A-0141E Public Service of Colorado - 2021 ERP and CEP, C3

Public Comment Hearing

December 2, 2021 4-6 pm Virtual

Xcel's Colorado Electric Resource Plan (Proceeding 21A-0141E)

Please mark your calendars and start thinking about your ideas for a statement to the Public Utilities Commission (aka "PUC"). Everyone is welcome and needed!

This is a remarkable opportunity to accelerate the decarbonization of Xcel's electricity and reducing Colorado's carbon emissions by over 5 million tons a year - the equivalent of taking 1 million or more cars off the road!

Citizen Trainings will be held with the second session’s information and all talking points below. All trainings will cover similar material. We are offering several trainings to accommodate holiday schedules. The sessions will not be recorded so please try to attend yourself.

Citizen Training for PUC Hearing Xcel Colorado Electric Resource Plan

Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 7 pm Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82597425470?pwd=Y2k5clppUGlrUDhtYjY3ZnlhRjZXZz09

Key High Level Messages for the PUC

1) This is "Code Red" for the planet. Please have the courage to move more quickly

• Colorado has abundant wind, solar, storage and demand-side potential that is untapped. It is technically and economically feasible - now! Let's move faster.

• We don't need to worry (much) about what happens at 80% renewable generation until we get there. Xcel is still below 40% renewable generation in Colorado. We can and must move faster.

• Natural gas is not a good long term solution. There is a "Social Cost of Methane" and SB21-246 (Section 4) as signed by the Governor directs you to consider the Social Cost of Methane in Electric Resource Planning.

• Profiting from coal for another 18 years is unconscionable. Colorado's coal plants should all be phased out in the next 5-7 years at the latest.

2) Don't "Discount" or Dump On the Next Generation

• Xcel is discounting future costs at their cost of capital (6.53%). This has the effect of "discounting" the future - including future fuel and climate costs. That isn't OK! The last PUC had sensitivity runs at 3% and 0% discount rates. This should be done again.

• Xcel wants to keep profiting from their colossal mistake - the Pueblo Unit 3 coal plant (the one they call "Comanche 3") until 2039! It is beyond unconscionable to be profiting from coal at this stage in the climate crisis. This needs to stop.

• Xcel has proposed that the next generation pay off Pueblo Unit 3 through "securitization" in 2039. This is horrible thing to do to people who were in elementary school when Xcel pushed the coal plant through. Don't "dump" on future generations in this way. Postpone the decision on "asset recovery" until there has been a full airing of all the issues.

3) The Main Thing Standing in the Way of Faster Progress is Xcel's Desire for Ever-More Profits in Colorado

• Xcel had $588 million in after-tax profits in Colorado in 2020. They don't need more profits - but of course they want them!

• Xcel is asking for a 12% rate increase for residential and commercial customers. Only a monopoly would ask to keep charging more for a product that keeps costing less!

• Xcel has announced plans to spend over $9.9 billion on capital expenditures in Colorado over the next five years alone - then they expect their customers to pay that off plus profit for Xcel's shareholders. Please stop them from spending so much money and continually driving up our rates.

Wind, solar, storage and demand-management options are likely to be much cheaper than what Xcel is proposing - and they will obviously be cleaner!

PLEASE ASK THE PUC COMMISSIONERS TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO MAKE XCEL MOVE FASTER, CLEANER AND CHEAPER!

The Commissioners need to hear from ALL of us! Please mark your calendars for the PUC Public Hearing:

Thursday December 2, 2021 4-6 pm via Zoom. Full details HERE

PUC: Public Comment HRG: 21A-0141E Public Service of Colorado - 2021 ERP and CEP, C3

Public Comment Hearing

December 2, 2021 4-6 pm Virtual

Xcel's Colorado Electric Resource Plan (Proceeding 21A-0141E)

Please mark your calendars and start thinking about your ideas for a statement to the Public Utilities Commission (aka "PUC"). Everyone is welcome and needed!

This is a remarkable opportunity to accelerate the decarbonization of Xcel's electricity and reducing Colorado's carbon emissions by over 5 million tons a year - the equivalent of taking 1 million or more cars off the road!

Citizen Trainings will be held with the first session’s information and all talking points below. All trainings will cover similar material. We are offering several trainings to accommodate holiday schedules. The sessions will not be recorded so please try to attend yourself.

Citizen Training for PUC Hearing Xcel Colorado Electric Resource Plan

Thursday, November 18, 2021, 7 pm Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81559131940?pwd=clA2N21CNUY4NW5CZlVOMzE0YnRuZz09

Key High Level Messages for the PUC

1) This is "Code Red" for the planet. Please have the courage to move more quickly

• Colorado has abundant wind, solar, storage and demand-side potential that is untapped. It is technically and economically feasible - now! Let's move faster.

• We don't need to worry (much) about what happens at 80% renewable generation until we get there. Xcel is still below 40% renewable generation in Colorado. We can and must move faster.

• Natural gas is not a good long term solution. There is a "Social Cost of Methane" and SB21-246 (Section 4) as signed by the Governor directs you to consider the Social Cost of Methane in Electric Resource Planning.

• Profiting from coal for another 18 years is unconscionable. Colorado's coal plants should all be phased out in the next 5-7 years at the latest.

2) Don't "Discount" or Dump On the Next Generation

• Xcel is discounting future costs at their cost of capital (6.53%). This has the effect of "discounting" the future - including future fuel and climate costs. That isn't OK! The last PUC had sensitivity runs at 3% and 0% discount rates. This should be done again.

• Xcel wants to keep profiting from their colossal mistake - the Pueblo Unit 3 coal plant (the one they call "Comanche 3") until 2039! It is beyond unconscionable to be profiting from coal at this stage in the climate crisis. This needs to stop.

• Xcel has proposed that the next generation pay off Pueblo Unit 3 through "securitization" in 2039. This is horrible thing to do to people who were in elementary school when Xcel pushed the coal plant through. Don't "dump" on future generations in this way. Postpone the decision on "asset recovery" until there has been a full airing of all the issues.

3) The Main Thing Standing in the Way of Faster Progress is Xcel's Desire for Ever-More Profits in Colorado

• Xcel had $588 million in after-tax profits in Colorado in 2020. They don't need more profits - but of course they want them!

• Xcel is asking for a 12% rate increase for residential and commercial customers. Only a monopoly would ask to keep charging more for a product that keeps costing less!

• Xcel has announced plans to spend over $9.9 billion on capital expenditures in Colorado over the next five years alone - then they expect their customers to pay that off plus profit for Xcel's shareholders. Please stop them from spending so much money and continually driving up our rates.

Wind, solar, storage and demand-management options are likely to be much cheaper than what Xcel is proposing - and they will obviously be cleaner!

PLEASE ASK THE PUC COMMISSIONERS TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO MAKE XCEL MOVE FASTER, CLEANER AND CHEAPER!

The Commissioners need to hear from ALL of us! Please mark your calendars for the PUC Public Hearing:

Thursday December 2, 2021 4-6 pm via Zoom. Full details HERE

PUC: Public Comment HRG: 21A-0141E Public Service of Colorado - 2021 ERP and CEP, C3

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - Ninth Meeting

The Ninth Session will be on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7 pm.

If you haven't joined previously but would like to see what we are up to, you are very welcome to join. We think you'll find it interesting--and inspiring!! As always, our "Citizen Power" team is doing some really good work!

This will be our last Study Group before we begin doing more general public training sessions in late November for the public hearing which has been scheduled for Thursday December 2, 2021.

In November, we'll begin to make plans for the (virtual) public hearing on December 2, 2021 from 4-6 pm.

These public hearings can have a very big impact on the final outcome of this game of "tug of war!"

We hope you can make it! Zoom details below.

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - Eighth Meeting

The Eighth Session will be on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 7 pm.

If you haven't joined previously but would like to see what we are up to, you are very welcome to join. We think you'll find it interesting--and inspiring!! As always, our "Citizen Power" team is doing some really good work!

This will be our last Study Group before Answer Testimony is filed. We’ll be going over some key discovery responses and discussing our plans for the fall. We expect the Public Hearing to be scheduled for December some time, but the PUC hasn't decided when as far as we know.

Things are coming together really well and many parties should be making strong arguments for less reliance on fossil fuel generation and more reliance on clean, 21st century solutions. Now we need to make sure that the transition is as equitable as possible. This will be a big challenge for us as we move forward this fall.

We hope you can make it! Zoom details below.

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - Seventh Meeting

The seventh Session will be on Monday, August 23, 2021 at 7 pm.

Xcel filed Supplemental "ERP" Testimony on August 13th in response to the PUC directions to add more solar, more demand response and several other things. We will discuss this supplemental filing during this ERP study group session.

The Supplemental Direct Testimony can be accessed HERE.

The Jon Landrum testimony has the summary of the new modeling and can be accessed HERE.

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - Sixth Meeting

The sixth Session will be on Monday, July 26, 2021 with one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm--Choose the time that is best for you.

Please bring your "Show and Tell" items related to solar, storage and demand response or if you're doing some modeling a preliminary report on what you are learning. You can do one or more PPT slides or some other system for sharing what you've found.

We will also share some of the important things we are learning through the "discovery" process in the Electric Resource Plan proceeding (21A-0141E).

The PUC order requesting additional ERP modeling issues July 2nd, 2021 can be accessed HERE.

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

We'll meet approximately every other Monday on the 2nd and 4th Monday's of the month through the spring and probably into the summer. We'll have one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm. These two sessions will cover approximately the same information

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

10:30 am Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84991422243?pwd=dmU2eGozdU9TeEJCcUF2eCtGendiQT09

Meeting ID: 849 9142 2243
Passcode: 320951
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Houston)

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - Fifth Meeting

The fifth Session will be on Monday, June 28, 2021 with one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm--Choose the time that is best for you.

Please bring your "Show and Tell" items related to solar, storage and demand response or, if you're doing some modeling, a preliminary report on what you are learning. You can do one or more PPT slides or some other system for sharing what you've found.

We will also share some of the important things we are learning through the "discovery" process in the Electric Resource Plan proceeding (21A-0141E).

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

We'll meet approximately every other Monday on the 2nd and 4th Monday's of the month through the spring and probably into the summer. We'll have one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm. These two sessions will cover approximately the same information

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

10:30 am Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84991422243?pwd=dmU2eGozdU9TeEJCcUF2eCtGendiQT09

Meeting ID: 849 9142 2243
Passcode: 320951
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Houston)

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Join the Northern Colorado chapter of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society for an event titled Electrified and Equitable? EV Adoption & Equitable Access to Transportation, hosted by Diego Lopez of Northern Colorado Clean Cities.

Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3525019300359376654

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - Fourth Meeting

The fourth Session will be on Monday, June 14, 2021 with one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm--Choose the time that is best for you.

For the 10:30 am meeting please plan on a "Show and Tell" related to

1. Storage

2. Demand Flexibility and Management

The idea is to go looking on the internet for stories and resources that can help support the argument that we can shave the peak and manage Xcel's load with storage and demand management options rather than just getting more gas turbines. The goal is to have each person present (even if briefly) one study or media story that they found related to applications of storage and/or demand management. (Don't worry if they aren't perfectly "on point." We are in the "cast a wide net" stage.)

For the 7 pm meeting, we'll be hearing from some of the modeling teams as they get started working with past data in anticipation of getting more recent data in the coming months.

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

We'll meet approximately every other Monday on the 2nd and 4th Monday's of the month through the spring and probably into the summer. We'll have one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm. These two sessions will cover approximately the same information

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

10:30 am Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84991422243?pwd=dmU2eGozdU9TeEJCcUF2eCtGendiQT09

Meeting ID: 849 9142 2243
Passcode: 320951
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Houston)

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - Third Meeting

The third Session will be on Monday, May 24, 2021 with one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm--Choose the time that is best for you. The sessions will cover the same information. Zoom information below.

The plan is to go for several sessions until we feel like we've gotten to know all we want to about Xcel's 2021 Electric Resource Plan (ERP) proposal (PUC proceeding 21A-0141E).*

(* Don't worry if you don't want to drill down this far. We'll do "Training Sessions" before the public hearing on the ERP and you'll get what you need to prepare strong testimony in an hour or so.)

Recognize that our job will be to point out the omissions and questionable assumptions in these, so please don't take Xcel's filings as "the whole truth!"

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

We'll meet approximately every other Monday on the 2nd and 4th Monday's of the month through the spring and probably into the summer. We'll have one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm. These two sessions will cover approximately the same information

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

10:30 am Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84991422243?pwd=dmU2eGozdU9TeEJCcUF2eCtGendiQT09

Meeting ID: 849 9142 2243
Passcode: 320951
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Houston)

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Microgrid Knowledge's Microgrid 2021 Virtual Conference

Microgrid Knowledge's Microgrid 2021 Virtual Conference is coming up and is both virtual and free this year. Sessions are often very informative and many of the sessions are on a general level. Attendance is limited so register early.

When: 11-2, Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks starting May 11 and ending June 3.

Where: Virtual

Register: https://microgridknowledge.com/microgrid-2021-conference-registration/

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - Second Meeting

The second Session will be on Monday, May 10, 2021 with one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm--Choose the time that is best for you. The sessions will cover the same information. Zoom information below.

The plan is to go for several sessions until we feel like we've gotten to know all we want to about Xcel's 2021 Electric Resource Plan (ERP) proposal (PUC proceeding 21A-0141E).*

(* Don't worry if you don't want to drill down this far. We'll do "Training Sessions" before the public hearing on the ERP and you'll get what you need to prepare strong testimony in an hour or so.)

We'll be working from Jim Hill's testimony (Xcel's top modeler).

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

We'll meet approximately every other Monday on the 2nd and 4th Monday's of the month through the spring and probably into the summer. We'll have one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm. These two sessions will cover approximately the same information

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

10:30 am Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84991422243?pwd=dmU2eGozdU9TeEJCcUF2eCtGendiQT09

Meeting ID: 849 9142 2243
Passcode: 320951
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Houston)

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Empower Our Future Welcomes:

Ken Regelson - Making Miles While the Sun Shines: Why Charging EVs for Cheap is Good for Everyone’s Electric Bill

Ken Regelson speaks on energy in clear and engaging ways to audiences of all experience levels – energy nerds to regular folk. He has a master's degree in electrical engineering, along with 21 years of experience in modeling and analysis of an energy grid based primarily on renewables. For five years, Ken was a policy analyst at the state capitol and Public Utilities Commission representing Colorado's solar installers. For much of last year, Ken had five interns working on key grid-impact questions of high levels of renewables and energy policy.

Register today! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the meeting.

Xcel Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Study Group - First Meeting

First Session will be on Monday April 26, 2021 with one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm--Choose the time that is best for you. The sessions will cover the same information. Zoom information below.

The plan is to go for several sessions until we feel like we've gotten to know all we want to about Xcel's 2021 Electric Resource Plan (ERP) proposal (PUC proceeding 21A-0141E).*

(* Don't worry if you don't want to drill down this far. We'll do "Training Sessions" before the public hearing on the ERP and you'll get what you need to prepare strong testimony in an hour or so.)

This is intended to be a Study Group where we all help each other understand and think about the material. I'll send out the testimony and topic for the first few times and then we'll work together to decide how to structure the meetings as we dive deeper into what is being proposed. To start with, I'll plan on about a 10-15 minute PPT and the rest of the session will be devoted to discussion and planning for the next session as well as talking about how to disseminate the information.

We'll meet approximately every other Monday on the 2nd and 4th Monday's of the month through the spring and probably into the summer. We'll have one session at 10:30 am and one at 7 pm. These two sessions will cover approximately the same information

Topics will include:

• Introduction and Overview

• Coal Plant Options (including coal supply)

• Coal Plant Cost Recovery--How to make it more equitable

• Modeling--Assumptions and outputs

• Utility scale v distributed solar

• Discount rate--why it matters

• Methane--How much for how long?

• Transmission--Building but not overbuilding

• Rate impacts--Say "What?"

• Performance Incentive Mechanisms

If you miss a session, don't worry--we'll do quick reviews to help everyone get caught up. Just tune back in as quickly as you can!

10:30 am Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84991422243?pwd=dmU2eGozdU9TeEJCcUF2eCtGendiQT09

Meeting ID: 849 9142 2243
Passcode: 320951
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,84991422243#,,,,*320951# US (Houston)

7 pm Session--Usually 2nd and 4th Monday

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87371681846?pwd=b3J4U0RCZUt5OEhnOVV2Mk9YMldpZz09

Meeting ID: 873 7168 1846
Passcode: 887417
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,87371681846#,,,,*887417# US (San Jose)

Thanks everyone for attending the event! The slides from Leslie’s presentation can be seen here, and a video recording of the Zoom meet-up can be viewed here.

Update: Our hearts are heavy after the Boulder shooting, but we decided to go forward with the event. We felt that the opportunity to come together in community and focus on something positive could be a welcome counterbalance. We’d love to see you there!

After 15 years of hard work at the local, state, and national levels, the United States is rapidly moving beyond coal. Clean Energy Action has helped lead the way for Colorado and for the country.

Join us on March 31, 2021 to celebrate these 15 years of hard work. Learn a bit more about where we've come from on climate, and find out where we are headed in the decade of the 2020s!

We also expect Xcel to submit its 2021 Electric Resource Plan (ERP) that day and we'll give you a "Sneak Peek" at what Xcel is proposing and what it will mean for Colorado, our electricity, our jobs, and decarbonization of our economy.

When: Wednesday, March 31, 7 PM MST

Where: Virtual, Register Here

To make this a proper celebration, we invite you to bring your favorite beverage and dessert! You can also make this an opportunity to support a local business, especially minority-owned or supporting marginalized communities. We recommend the following:

Boulder/Everywhere
Danconias by Community Table Kitchen - part of Bridge House homelessness services
Decadent truffle brownies either picked up or shipped
For pickup, open 9-3, see website for choices and call or email to order
For shipping, order on website by 1 p.m. March 29
Present the discount code CLEANENERGY to get 20% off your order!
Contact: 720-772-1987, hello@danconias.com
Website: www.danconias.com

Denver
Sweet Sweetz
Delicious pies, treats, and ice cream
Open 12-5, shop in person, order pies 24 hours ahead, $5 delivery in service area
Contact: 720-949-1896, ordermysweetz@gmail.com
Website: www.sweetsweetz.com

Glenwood Springs/Snowmass
Sweet ColoraDough
"The Best Doughnut in Colorado"
Shop in person, open 6-2 (Glenwood Springs) or 8-6 (Snowmass)
Contact: 970-230-9056
Website: www.sweetcoloradough.com

Fort Collins
June Poppies
Specialty cakes and cupcakes
Details to come!
Website: www.junepoppies.com

If you can't make it, but are able to support Clean Energy Action's work going forward, please make a donation Here.

No gift is too small, and all are appreciated! Your immense generosity never goes unnoticed and helps us continue to drive change and work hard to accelerate climate action at the local, state and national levels.

We've all worked very to get to this point, time to celebrate a little!

- The CEA Team

Join Empower Our Future and Clean Energy Action in Welcoming...

Holy Cross Energy – Journey to 100% Renewable Electricity!

Thursday, January 28, 2021
5:30pm MST

We'll hear from Holy Cross Energy Team Members:

• Bryan Hannegan, President and CEO

• Steve Beuning, Vice President, Power Supply and Programs

In December 2020, Holy Cross Energy (serving areas around Aspen, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs) announced that they would go to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. We expect this to be a great talk – and a very encouraging way to start the New Year and this transformative decade!

Missed out on this event? Watch the presentation here!