Xcel Energy to raise residential electric bills by 6.4% in April

https://coloradosun.com/2022/03/17/x...city-colorado/

"Although a 6.42% rate is troubling to me, I find the settlement is just and reasonable," Commissioner John Gavin said."

"Xcel Energy asked for a 10% return on investment and the settlement agreement reduced it to 9.3%."

"In addition to the electricity rate increase Xcel Energy also is asking for a temporary rate increase to recoup $550 million in extra electric and natural gas costs incurred by as a result of a severe winter storm in February 2021, which led to a spike in natural gas prices."

"The company, the state's largest utility with more than 3 million electricity and natural gas customers, has also filed an overall natural gas rate case, seeking an $8.14 increase in the average bill over three years."

Good thing inflation is low and there is an abundance of domestically produced natural gas.

I'm glad I have an EMP proof wood stove.

Jon Caldara talks about Excel often on his show, The Devil's Advocate, on RMPBS.
One thing he points out is that Excel promotes closing the coal and natural gas power plants that they just spent a lot of money updating.
They want to build more solar and wind farms.
The reason?
They get a 10% guaranteed return on their capital expenditures, so it increase their profits to spend big bucks and the customers are required to pay.
The PUC with 3 Commissioners appointed by the Governor, confirmed by the Colorado Senate, is tasked with controlling Excel and approving their rates and expenditures.
So, who should we point the finger at, The Governor, The Commissioners, The Commission, Excel?

Yeah, they warned us there'd be a 10% increase followed by more over the next three years. Complete horseshit 'cause mine's up 55% in the first year... or maybe it's the second but it's a substantial hit.

They don't "want" to close the coal plants, they have already scheduled the closure of all of them in Colorado.

Comanche in Pueblo, Unit 1 retires this year. Unit 2 retires in 2025. Until 3 was updated 2010 at a cost of $1B+ and was supposed to run until 2070. It is closing before 2035. Total capacity at Comanche is 1,635 MW.

Pawnee station 1 (552 MW) is scheduled to retire in 2041. Hayden Station (465 MW) has two units closing , one in 2027 the other in 2028.

Craig Station (1,427 MW) will close all units by 2030. Starting in 2025.

PRPA Rawhide coal plant (293 MW) was to retire in 2046, but has been moved up to 2030.

And Colorado Springs Utilities is closing Martin Drake in 2023. Ray Nixon is closing by 2030. Combined they generate +400 MW.

There is VERY little battery capacity at any of these plants to store wind and solar generation. Basically none. I think Raw Hide can power Ft Collins for a few hours on battery, that's it. Not sure about the others.

Last weekend I attended the Steamboat Institute's Energy Energy and Climate Summit. No matter how bad you think our energy future is, it's even worse.

They've posted some of the presentations, check them out on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SteamboatInstitute/videos

O2

I live in Westminster and our water rates have skyrocketed in the past year or so. Massive rate hikes. Now excel is jabbing it in all of our asses. I fucking hate living here more and more. Unfortunately, I'm stuck due to owning a successful business that I can't move and can't abandon. Very envious of those who are bailing out of here. And I'm a native who once loved CO and was proud to live here.

I keep thinking of buying a sailboat and living in the Caribbean. Being a pirate and enjoying life.

I like that idea... or group buy an island?

Bingo bangle bongle I dont want to leave the Congo. https://youtu.be/zndUfV1i1Co

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