Colorado utilities are preparing for what’s shaping up to be a hotter-than-normal and relatively dry summer while regulators are assessing how to keep the lights and power on as the climate changes.
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has started discussions with climate, weather and water experts as well as power providers to figure out if it’s prepared to ensure reliable, adequate electric and gas service as extreme heat and cold test the systems.
Xcel Energy-Colorado is actively watching what’s happening in Colorado and across the West heading into summer and is working to ensure the utility has the resources to deliver reliable service, said Hollie Velasquez Horvath, the regional vice president of state affairs and community relations.
