Xcel proposes overhaul of its Colorado grid to include more renewables, smart meters
Officials told the Denver Business Journal that their plan will “pave the way for an interactive, intelligent and efficient grid.”
“The idea is to have a forward-looking plan that looks at the way this will get done,” David Eves, president of Public Service Company of Colorado, told the news outlet.
That plan will be formalized in filings this week and in the months ahead, but broadly speaking will come in 10 tranches that include focuses on rates, renewables, natural gas, storage and other areas. The utility has asked for an extension until June on its integrated resource plan, but said it is considering adding about 1,000 MW of new solar and wind.
Xcel has also asked for authorization to be a non-operating owner of gas reserves, seeking to take advantage of low commodity prices. “It would secure a long-term stabilization of prices for our customers, you can lock in 20 to 30 years of supply at low prices,” Eves said.
