Denver, CO - NRDC and Sierra Club formally submitted a request for reconsideration to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on their December approval of an alternative Xcel Energy resource portfolio.
The PUC's decision cut down Xcel's original plans for historic renewable energy investment and increased future gas capacity, which could result in three new gas power plants in already-polluted areas. Despite citing concerns about cost shocks to customers, the approved portfolio is more expensive than viable alternatives.
The commission has 30 days to either start a reconsideration process or extend the deadline for issuing a decision. Xcel Energy and other parties filed applications (proceeding number 21-A0141E).
Ren Smith, Senior Organizer with the Sierra Club said:
"By reconsidering its decision and selecting a different portfolio, the commission can save customers more than $80 million and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 4 million tons, all while maintaining reliability. It should be a no-brainer to pick the option that is both cheaper and less polluting and that Xcel has said would be reliable."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.