Pueblo County wants Trump to order Xcel Energy coal plant to stay open
Xcel Energy’s Plan to Acquire New Power Sources Sparks Controversy in Pueblo County
A recent decision by state regulators to approve Xcel Energy’s plan to transition to new power sources while phasing out coal plants has caused uproar in Pueblo County, Colorado. The county, home to the state’s last coal power station, is pushing back against the move.
County commissioners have filed a document with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, urging President Trump and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to intervene and keep the coal plants in the county operational until alternative energy facilities can be built. They point to Trump’s past executive orders and emergency directives to support their plea.
While Xcel Energy’s proposal to accelerate renewable energy projects has been approved by the PUC, concerns remain about the impact on communities like Pueblo County. The plan includes closing the Comanche power station near Pueblo by 2030, marking the end of Xcel’s coal-fired plants in Colorado.
Despite Xcel’s “just transition” plan aimed at supporting communities affected by the shift away from coal, Pueblo County leaders argue that the plan overlooks the region’s high poverty rate and economic dependence on coal-related jobs and revenue. They are pushing for the consideration of natural gas or small nuclear power reactors as cleaner energy alternatives.
While Pueblo County reluctantly agreed to the transition plan, they emphasize the need for new power plants to replace lost jobs and revenue. The county’s filing with the PUC reflects their concerns and calls for a reassessment of the approved agreement.
Xcel Energy remains committed to its transition plan, aiming to retire coal units by 2030 in line with state emissions reduction targets. The PUC will issue a decision on the plan’s first phase soon, with further discussions expected on the type and volume of new power sources.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are advocating for a comprehensive approach that considers the economic impact on communities like Pueblo County. The goal is to find a sustainable solution that balances environmental concerns with the needs of local economies.
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