Drake Power Plant
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) is doing the right thing for the future of growing Colorado Springs communities by enacting an Energy Vision, outlining the future renewable energy goals, efficiency goals, and resource planning for meeting energy needs over the next 30 years. Colorado State law is the driven force behind the CSU Energy Vision, and “doing the right thing,” but in order for CSU to do the right thing, customers can expect a Colorado Springs electric rate increase. But there is a way homeowners and business owners can avoid those increased electric rates.
The “Energy Vision Statement” that was drafted and the CSU board approved says:
“Provide resilient, reliable and cost-effective energy that is environmentally sustainable, reduces our carbon footprint and uses proven state-of-the-art technologies to enhance our quality of life for generations to come.”
On June 17, 2019, the Councilors (acting as the CSU board) discussed the Drake Power Plant closing by 2030, and the additional potential closing of the Nixon Power Plant. Drake and Nixon account for 40% of the area’s energy production. Councilman Andy Pico voiced his concern over higher rates, but Councilman Pico is also not a believer in the science of climate change. The article, “Councilman Pico Only CSU Board Member Asking About Rate Increase With Future Drake Closure,” posted by SpringsTaxpayers.com, thanks Councilman Pico for voicing his concerns, but does not address the concerns of the health of future generations of community members or the health of our local environment. These concerns are just as important and must be addressed as well.
CSU closing Drake & Nixon will naturally cause utility rates to increase, along with the rising population of Colorado Springs, increased energy needs, and the incorporation of new, more efficient technology, but the cost of renewable energy is now falling so fast that it should be a consistently cheaper source of electricity generation than traditional fossil fuels within just a few years, according to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). An article in Forbes, “Renewable Energy Will Be Consistently Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels By 2020, Report Claims,” includes a statement by Adnan Amin, director-general of IRENA,
“Turning to renewables for new power generation is not simply an environmentally conscious decision, it is now – overwhelmingly – a smart economic one. ”
Both homeowners and business owners can take advantage of less expensive renewable energy cost NOW by switching to Photovoltaic solar energy. With no money out of pocket, switching to solar can cost the same or even less than the utility company currently charges and with each household or business that produces their energy needs from solar, that is less energy that needs to be provided by the grid. Plus, with net metering, batteries are not needed. The energy that is needed by each household or business is produced by solar with the excess distributed onto the grid for your neighbor’s use. Those with solar receive 100% credit for all the energy produced, whether used or not! The excess energy is credited to the home/business owner, to be used when the sun is not available. CSU benefits from homeowners and business owners solar production because they can count it toward their renewable energy goals. CSU even will assist in paying for a solar system with it’s Renewable Energy Program, because,
“Solar energy helps protect the environment, diversifies our energy supply, creates energy independence and reduces our summer peak capacity requirements.”
Contact us for your personalized solar design today and find out how solar can work for you.
