DENVER (April 18, 2023) – Xcel Energy-Colorado has assembled a diverse group of Pueblo community leaders to evaluate and recommend future clean energy generation strategies that will be needed to replace the existing coal units at Comanche Generation Station. The Pueblo Innovative Energy Solutions Advisory Committee (PIESAC) will consider broad economic impacts to ensure the City of Pueblo and Pueblo County will continue to prosper with tax revenue, high-paying and highly skilled jobs, and a workforce pathway benefiting local citizens. This initiative will ensure an increased focus on the priorities of Pueblo, community engagement, and accountability in Xcel Energy’s utility system as the company transitions to delivering 100% carbon-free energy by 2050 to its Colorado customers and communities.
The 11-member committee, comprising a diverse set of Pueblo community leaders, will partner to produce an Innovative Energy Solutions Advisory Study that will help inform bids in Xcel Energy’s Pueblo Just Transition Plan, which will begin in 2024, identify resource portfolios to replace Comanche Unit 3 and meet other Xcel Energy resource needs through the end of 2031. Retiring coal generation, while adding clean, reliable and affordable energy sources, is key to Xcel Energy’s strategy in the eight states it serves.
“Thoughtfully advancing the retirement of coal operations at Comanche Station demonstrates our commitment to our clean energy strategy, while ensuring our customers and communities have reliable, affordable and safe service,” said Robert Kenney, president, Xcel Energy Colorado. “We expect a diverse mix of replacement generation to be developed near Pueblo after Comanche’s retirement, which will support all Colorado customers with more reliable and affordable service while preserving the generating community’s economic vitality.”
“It is vitally important for local leaders to steer the Innovative Energy Solutions Advisory Study that will bring carbon-free generation to the Pueblo community. We are honored to use our public service and community leadership expertise to co-chair the committee,” said Pueblo native Frances Koncilja, energy attorney and former Colorado Public Utilities Commissioner and Corinne Koehler, financial advisor and former Pueblo City Council President.
Throughout its clean energy transition, Xcel Energy has focused on affordability and reliability for its customers, while working with employees and communities that host its power plants to ensure a smooth transition.
“For nearly fifty years, the dedicated employees at Comanche Generating Station have provided reliable and safe service to our Colorado customers and communities,” said Hollie Velasquez Horvath, vice president of community and state affairs, Xcel Energy Colorado. “While we maximize replacement generation in the region, we’re also committed to transition our employees into new roles as needed, something we’ve done successfully at other Xcel Energy plants.”
Comanche Station, located roughly 110 miles south of Denver, includes three coal-fueled steam units - Comanche Unit 1 (335MW) retired in 2022, Comanche Unit 2 (315MW)-will retire by year-end 2025, and Comanche Unit 3 (750 MW) is slated to retire no later than January 1, 2031.
For more information about the Pueblo Innovative Energy Solutions Committee please visit XcelEnergy.com. Members of the public can review recorded meetings, documents, ask questions or provide feedback by emailing PuebloEnergyStudy@xcelenergy.com or calling the toll-free hotline at 877.292.5918.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
