Connect with us

Colorado

Xcel Energy Colorado has a new boss. He says the trend of rising energy bills won’t stop anytime soon

Published

on

Xcel Energy Colorado has a new boss. He says the trend of rising energy bills won’t stop anytime soon


Prospects of the biggest energy firm in Colorado ought to anticipate larger vitality payments to pay for an increasing vitality grid that features upgrades to its pure gasoline amenities, stated Robert Kenney, the latest president of Xcel Vitality Colorado.

Kenney took the helm of Xcel’s state operations in June after serving as an government for Pacific Fuel and Electrical Firm in California. In an interview with CPR Information this week, he stated the latest pattern of rising vitality payments doubtless wouldn’t finish anytime quickly.

“We are going to doubtless see some quantity of improve as we proceed to make investments within the system,” Kenney stated. “We’re making the investments that we predict are essential to drive the clear vitality transition whereas doing it safely and reliably.”

Kenney, who has each labored with utilities and served as a utility regulator, stated he desires Xcel to mannequin how investor-owned monopolies can change from coal to cleaner sources of vitality. 

Advertisement
Courtesy of Paul Sakuma Images
Robert Kenney, the latest president of Xcel Vitality Colorado.

On the similar time, he reiterated the corporate’s place on pure gasoline, insisting prospects ought to pay for energy crops to burn the gas and pipelines to hold it to new houses. Kenney stated these plans received’t lock in additional emissions as a result of pure gasoline techniques may sometime run on carbon-free fuels like inexperienced hydrogen, a degree that’s confronted fierce skepticism from researchers and environmental teams. 

Local weather scientists have additionally drawn a transparent line on new fossil gas infrastructure. Earlier this 12 months, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Local weather Change launched a brand new report saying any new funding in such techniques wasn’t appropriate with worldwide local weather objectives. 

State regulators this 12 months allowed Xcel to extend costs to correlate with rising prices in wholesale pure gasoline. The Minnesota-based firm expects the typical family will see their payments soar 54 % this December in comparison with a 12 months earlier.

The corporate will quickly want to hunt additional fee will increase to pay for brand spanking new investments. The Colorado Public Utilities Fee not too long ago permitted practically $10 billion in Xcel’s plans for brand spanking new transmission strains and energy era to exchange coal-fired energy crops. The utility will recoup the price of these tasks from prospects over the approaching a long time — plus a further revenue for his or her shareholders.

To cut back the impact on month-to-month payments, the corporate has incentives for purchasers who use much less vitality or make their houses extra vitality environment friendly, Kenney stated. Xcel can even purchase and retailer sufficient pure gasoline earlier than the winter heating season to assist guard towards excessive costs that will be handed onto prospects, he stated.

Advertisement

The utility used a type of applications, the AC Rewards Sensible Thermostats program, when its latest coal-fired generator broke down once more final month, this time throughout a warmth wave. The corporate didn’t warn the 22,000 prospects who signed up for this system that it will take management of their thermostats, nor had been they capable of override the change. The transfer annoyed many shoppers and generated public backlash on-line.

“It is a part and a function of this system that prospects had been voluntarily conscious of once they signed up for it,” Kenney stated, acknowledging Xcel ought to remind prospects extra typically about these phrases.

Xcel Vitality continues to burn pure gasoline for electrical energy. The not too long ago permitted plan for brand spanking new investments consists of cash for “dispatchable sources,” which may embrace enhancements to current pure gasoline energy crops and new amenities. Kenney stated these upgrades are needed to take care of a dependable electrical energy grid and keep low prices for purchasers. He added the corporate plans to buy gas licensed as “responsibly sourced” pure gasoline. 

“There is not any inconsistency in persevering with to make use of pure gasoline for heating and for energy era,” Kenney stated. “We simply wanna ensure that we’re doing it as cleanly as attainable.”

Kenney stated he was approached to guide the utility due to his expertise on “either side of the bench” as chair of the Missouri Public Service Fee and later as a vp with PG&E.

Advertisement

The California utility has confronted authorities scrutiny and penalties for its electrical grid, which sparked wildfires which have killed greater than 100 individuals since 2015, in accordance with PBS’ FRONTLINE. It pleaded responsible to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection to 2018’s Camp Hearth, one of many deadliest wildfires in U.S. historical past.

Utilities have to evolve their electrical techniques to arrange for wildfires which might be turning into extra frequent and livid due to local weather change, Kenney stated. That would imply burying energy strains underground or clearing extra timber and vegetation close to strains, he stated.

“That work is underway now” for Xcel Vitality, he stated, although he didn’t go into specifics. The corporate filed its personal wildfire preparedness plan with the Colorado Public Utilities Fee in 2020.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Colorado

Two Colorado Residents Die in Vintage Biplane Crash in Kansas

Published

on

Two Colorado Residents Die in Vintage Biplane Crash in Kansas


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – Authorities are investigating the crash of a vintage biplane in northwest Kansas that killed two Colorado residents.

A 1934 Waco YKC single-engine biplane crashed into a field in Sheridan County on Sunday. The Kansas Highway Patrol identified the pilot as 78-year-old David Allen and the passenger as 79-year-old Jeanne Allen, of Elbert, Colorado.

Both David and Jeanne died on the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the cause of the crash.

Advertisement

STAY INFORMED — STAY CONNECTED | Download the KKCO 11 News App – iTunes: Click Here. – Google Play: Click Here.

HOW TO WATCH KKCO 11 NEWS ON YOUR SMART TV | ROKU: Go to the Roku Channel Store and search “KKCO 11 News,” or click this link.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Colorado

Colorado Springs area military events starting July 7

Published

on

Colorado Springs area military events starting July 7


EVENTS

JULY 17

Summer Concerts in the Glen — With Air Force Academy Falconaires, 6 p.m., The Glen at Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave.; broadmoorchurch.org/music-ministry.

Advertisement

JULY 26

“Jazz in the Garden” — With Air Force Academy Falconaires, 7 p.m., Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 601 N. Tejon St.; gssepiscopal.org/jazz-in-the-garden.

JULY 27 OR DURING TIME AT ACADEMY

Air Force Academy Cadet Sponsor Program — Provide a home-away-from-home for cadets during their time at the Academy; tinyurl.com/2mh2tkjk or for one day during Doolie Day Out 2024 on July 27; tinyurl.com/mvun9kwb. Information and registration online.

AUG. 2

Advertisement

JA Golf Classic — To benefit Junior Achievement Southern Colorado, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, 1050 Titus Blvd., Fort Carson, $175 and up. Registration required by July 31: secure.qgiv.com/for/jaosc/event/24jagc.

AUG. 9

Chip in for Children Charity Golf Event — To benefit Children’s Hospital, Southern Colorado, 8 a.m. check-in and breakfast, 9 a.m. shotgun start, Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, 1050 Titus Blvd., Fort Carson, $250 and up. Registration: chipinforchildren.org.

AUG. 13

Military Speaker Luncheon — With Naval Inspector General Vice Admiral John Fuller, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., DoubleTree hotel, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., $20-$40. Registration: coloradospringschamberedc.com.

Advertisement

AUG. 16

Cowboy Cup Golf Tournament — To benefit the Pikes Peak Range Riders Foundation, 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. shotgun start, Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, 1050 Titus Blvd., Fort Carson, $150. Registration: pprrfoundation.wildapricot.org.

AUG. 16-17

The Salute to American Veterans Rally & Festival — With Vietnam Veterans Memorial traveling wall, poker run, silent auction, beer garden and live music, Woodland Park; theveteransrally.org.

AUG. 17

Advertisement

“Music on the Mesa” — With 4th Infantry Division Band of Fort Carson, 4-7 p.m., Gold Hill Mesa, 142 Raven Mine Drive; goldhillmesa.com.

SEPT. 9

Angel Golf Tournament — To benefit Angels of America’s Fallen, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Perry Park, 7047 Perry Park Blvd., Larkspur. Cost and registration: angelsgolf.givesmart.com.

NOV. 7

Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox.

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Latino Veterans Profiles in Valor Awards — 6-9 p.m., Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Drive, $100. Reservations: cshispanicchamber.com.

Advertisement

ONGOING

Comeback Yoga — Free in-person and virtual yoga classes for military service members, veterans and their families; comebackyoga.org.

DAV Chapter 26 Membership Meetings — Hot meal at 6 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m., second Tuesdays, 6880 Palmer Park Blvd., open to all veterans and their guests; dav26co.org.

410 Veterans Group Meeting — 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Black Eyed Pea, 887 N. Academy Blvd. All veterans and spouses, all branches and eras welcome; 605-460-6317.

Women’s Equine-Assisted Mental Health Group — 10:30 a.m.-noon Wednesdays. Hosted by StableStrides for women veterans who have experienced trauma. Call for information: 719-495-3908.

Advertisement

Men’s Equine-Assisted Mental Health Group — 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesdays. Hosted by StableStrides for men looking for an active and solution-oriented therapy to manage symptoms of PTSD, depression or anxiety. Call for information: 719-495-3908.

The Southern Colorado Retiree Assistance Council Meeting — 10 a.m. second Wednesdays, The Hub, Peterson Space Force Base. Open to all military retirees and surviving spouses; 719-556-7153.

Society of Military Widows Monthly Meeting — 10:30 a.m. last Wednesday of the month, The Hub, Peterson Space Force Base. Open to surviving spouses; Margaret Melchi, 719-331-6689.

Pikes Peak Veterans Council Meeting — Doors open at 6 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m., last Wednesday of the month, DAV 26 Building, 6880 Palmer Park Blvd. All veteran organizations welcome; 719-235-1058.

The National Museum of World War II Aviation tours — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, 755 Aviation Way, $11-$17, free for WWII veterans. Tickets: 719-637-7559.

Advertisement

American Legion Post 5 Membership Meeting — 6 p.m. dinners, meeting at 7 p.m. third Thursdays, 15 E. Platte Ave. Open to members only; 719-632-0960.

American Legion Post 5 Game Night & Dinner — 6 p.m. second Fridays, 15 E. Platte Ave.; 719-632-0960.

American Legion Post 5 Steak Night — 6 p.m. fourth Fridays, 15 E. Platte Ave.; 719-632-0960.

Colorado Springs Chapter Wear Blue: Run to Remember — 9 a.m. first Saturdays, Cottonwood Creek Park, 7040 Rangewood Drive; wearblueruntoremember.org/coloradosprings.

Pikes Peak Honor Bell Planning Meeting — Purpose is to plan and lead the creation of a second honor bell to serve the Pikes Peak National Cemetery and the Pikes Peak region. The Honor Bell Foundation’s mission is to create a community of veterans to foster public appreciation of military service and honor their fellow veterans with a proper, final tribute, 10 a.m. first Saturdays, American Legion Post 209, 3613 Jeannine Drive; honorbell.org.

Advertisement

Pikes Peak Detachment of the Marine Corps League Meeting — 8 a.m. breakfast, meeting starts at 9 a.m., third Saturday, DAV Chapter 26, 6880 Palmer Park Blvd., $10 for breakfast; pikespeakmcl.org.

Dutch Nelsen Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association — 11:30 a.m., with lunch at noon, third Saturdays, Elks Lodge, 3400 N. Nevada Ave. Open to all who served in Korea 1945 to present; Mike Thomason, 719-214-6121.

DAV Chapter 26 Bingo — Doors open at 4:30 p.m., bingo at 6:30 p.m., Sundays, 6880 Palmer Park Blvd., 12 or older; dav26co.org.

American Legion Post 5 Sunday Brunch — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. third Sundays, 15 E. Platte Ave.; 719-632-0960.

Advertisement

Want to get the word out about your military or veterans event? Email events at least two weeks in advance to carlotta.olson@gazette.com.



Source link

Continue Reading

Colorado

Live Updates: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies (Game Two)

Published

on

Live Updates: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies (Game Two)


The Colorado Rockies may be sitting dead last in the NL West, but that didn’t stop them from taking game one of the weekend series against the Kansas City Royals at Coors Field on Friday night. Now, rather than having the chance to lock up the series in Saturday’s encore, the Royals can only tie the three-game set with a win.

Leading the way on the mound will be right-hander Seth Lugo, who has put together an All-Star caliber season since joining Kansas City (48-42) last offseason. His 11 wins so far this season are matched only by Chris Sale of Atlanta, in the midst of a resurgent year of his own. Lugo also brings a 2.17 earned run average into the contest.

Facing him will be Austin Gomber, whose record stands at 1-5 with a 4.72 ERA. The Rockies (31-57) have had their share of struggles on the mound, which has conversely been a surprising strength for the visiting Royals. Even so, Kansas City is just 1-3 in the month of July thus far. With a comeback win in this series, that mark would turn even. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. CT.

Live Updates (most recent at top):

Advertisement

Top 5:

Bottom 4:

Top 4:

Bottom 3:

Top 3:

Advertisement

Bottom 2:

Top 2:

Bottom 1:

Top 1:

Pregame:

Advertisement

Kansas City lineup (P: Seth Lugo [R]):

Colorado lineup (P: Austin Gomber [L]):



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending