PUC Makes Verbal Ruling

Denver Post's energy writer Mark Jaffe

reports cost of solar falling sharply and rapidly.

(Photo from Denver Post story.)

The Full Public Utilities Commission yesterday considered Xcel's request for approval of a Certificate Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).

It substantially approved the administrative judge's ruling that Xcel could proceed to plan the project in detail and seek site approvals for the transmission line route, but it can not begin construction of the project until May 2020.

This decision shifts our efforts from the PUC to local and state governements, and there is much we can do to influence this project.

Interestingly, the one exception the commission took with the ruling was the judge's contention that most people who had communicated with the commission had supported the project. Although we were unable to legally take part in the proceedings, staff reported to the commission our opposition and petition signatures. The commission will rework the wording of that portion of the ruling. One commission member also alluded to concerns we raised about EMF and noise.

We are, of course, disappointed the project wasn't rejected outright and believe it should have been based on the arguments delivered by the Office of Consumer Counsel and the rapid changes going on in energy generation.

We remain committed to resisting utra-high voltage lines (that will deliver virtually no energy to Parker) destroying vistas from east to west through densely populated neighborhoods in Parker, and the associated problems that come with transmission line EMF, noise and construction.

Routing Not Considered

Perhaps in relation to public concerns, one commission member mentioned at least twice during the discussion that the commission was not ruling on or considering routing of the transmission line. This last point seemed an important reminder that the Parker Town Council will have approval/disapproval power over this routing process within town limits. We had hoped to help the town avoid that "honor," but it is not to be (unless Xcel decides it would be easier to route it elsewhere). We call upon the Mayor and Town Council to do everything in their power (legal, political, technical, etc.) to ensure Xcel's project does not blight Parker communities and skyline.

Cost of Distributed Energy Generation Falling Rapidly

This ruling aside, much is changing in energy generation, especially with rooftop solar generation dropping precipitously in cost in the last several years. If such trends continue over the next five years, energy demand forecasts may fall, and even Xcel may come to recognize the huge investment in time, cost and trouble is not worth it.

The Denver Post last Ocotober carried a story about the rapidly falling cost of solar powers. Cost was down by as much as 19 percent in 2013, and 2014 was looking to see a similar drop.

The paper also reported that installation costs are below the national average.

We're disappointed the PUC did not consider this as it made its ruling. However, such economics may have the last laught. Check out the Post blog.

Strategy Meeting

We will hold an important planning meeting on strategy and tactics Wednesday, March 18, 7 pm. The Rowley Downs HOA has agreed to let us meet at it's meetinghouse at the corner of Williamson Drive and Siebert Circle. We invite everyone to come so we get everyone's input as we look to the future.

Now that it appears to be a local matter, the more Parker folks we get engaged and re-engaged over the coming months the stronger and more influential our efforts.