NCP4CE, a coalition encouraging the transition to 100% renewable energy in Northern Colorado, credits Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) with 50 years of reliable and affordable energy supply and welcomes progress that has been made towards a 100% non-carbon resource mix. NCP4CE recognizes the complexity of planning reliable power generation for an uncertain future. 

PRPA’s mission states: “While driving utility innovation, Platte River will safely provide reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to the owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland.” In support of this mission, the PRPA board of directors voted unanimously, in 2018, to commit to a goal of 100% non-carbon resource mix by 2030. However, PRPA is now planning to purchase 200 MW of additional gas generation capacity to be installed at its Rawhide site by the end of 2028.

NCP4CE objects to the planned addition of gas generated capacity because it will prevent PRPA from achieving, or even coming close, to the 100% non-carbon goal by 2030.  Later is too late.  

  • PRPA has not made a convincing case that a full 200 MW of additional capacity is needed in the next five years.  The IRP looks out 20 years to see what might be needed (such as the RICE plant suggested at the time of the 2020 IRP). Expenditures need not – and so should not – be made based on such a long horizon but rather on near-term needs.  
  • Firm capacity can be purchased rather than built, and this may make sense over the coming few years while the consequences of technologies, policies, and market participation become more clear. PRPA has not presented a build versus buy trade study. 
  • Gas-generated energy is not environmentally responsible. It is a major contributor to greenhouse gas pollution, driving the very climate disruptions PRPA uses to support its need for contingent resources.
  • Adding more gas is not safe. It would further contribute to toxic air pollution in Northern Colorado that is responsible for respiratory illness and premature death.
  • PRPA’s gas proposal would cost the owner communities nearly $300 million, contributing to projected multi-year rate increases of 6.3% annually. Alternatives to gas will likely be more cost competitive well within the lifetime of the gas plant, leaving an unsustainable financial situation of owning an asset we don’t use.
  • Adding additional carbon-intensive gas generation in 2028 does not support PRPA’s goal of 100% non-carbon resource mix by 2030.

NCP4CE is calling on PRPA to collaborate with leaders in sustainable energy such as the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, National Renewable Energy Lab, RMI, the Department of Energy, and others, to develop a plan for resource adequacy that better aligns with the mission of PRPA and achieves the goal of 100% non-carbon resource mix by 2030, with a focus on local energy generation and storage to maximize benefits to the owner communities.