Regional
(2010-01-06)
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DENVER, CO
(KUNC) -
Colorado green energy advocates are planning to ask lawmakers to increase the state's renewable energy standard during the upcoming legislative session. They're billing it as a means to spur job creation in the clean energy sector. But there are doubts about whether a higher benchmark is realistic.
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In 2004, Colorado voters passed what was then one of the toughest renewable energy standards in the nation. It quickly became clear though that utility companies could go higher. So in 2007, the legislature did just that; requiring 20% by 2020. But now the state's largest utility, Xcel Energy, says it's on course to meet that benchmark five years early.
"Which is why it makes a lot of sense to say, 'hey look, we're doing well, we're on pace to not only hit our targets but exceed them,'" says Pam Keily, program director of Environment Colorado; among those pushing for a higher standard.
"Let's make sure that we continue to be ahead of the curve, that we continue to be a national leader, and that we continue to push the envelope," Keily says.
But right now, Keily's not sure how far that envelope should be pushed. She says a specific number should emerge in the coming weeks, as the legislature hammers out a bill. The figure most often batted around though is 30 percent.
The existing 20% standard has garnered bi-partisan support. Republican Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry is open to an increase, but not sure that lofty of a goal is feasible.
"We need to be thoughtful, first is it even doable at all, and second what is the impact to consumers, the people who pay the bill," Penry asks, "Is it in fact more than they can bear?"
Xcel is also acting coolly, but for different reasons.
Spokesman Mark Stutz says the wind and sun are not always reliable; and neither is the technology for supporting more renewables on a big company's poles and wires.
"For example here in Colorado, on our hottest days of the year, when it's up there grilling in Weld County at 95 degrees, there's not very much wind to generate electricity," Stutz says.
So Xcel has to rely on fossil fuels like natural gas at times like those, in order to keep the electricity flowing to customers. Still, Stutz says a 30% benchmark could be feasible, because such a standard is already in place in a handful other wind and sun-rich states.
"We'd obviously though need to see the legislation and find out exactly what is being proposed and how we plan to get there and when we plan to get there," he adds.
There's also the question of transmission lines, and whether the state's existing infrastructure can even handle the current 20% mandate.
Barely, according to Craig Cox, executive director of the Conifer-based Interwest Energy Alliance.
"I think if we want to build an energy infrastructure that will benefit future generations, we need more transmission capacity," Cox says.
Cox favors increasing Colorado's renewable energy standard. But he thinks such a move needs to go hand in hand with building more poles and wires to connect major markets like the Colorado Front Range, Phoenix and Los Angeles. He says a so-called transmission super-highway would increase demand for renewables, and create jobs.
"Let me put it this way, when a new interstate highway is built, we don't know what businesses are going to be located on the exits, but almost invariably you see new economic benefits arise," Cox says.
But Green energy promoters like Cox believe a federal mandate is what's really needed. The Obama Administration supports a 25% by 2025 standard. A similar benchmark is included in the climate bill pending in the US Senate. But everything has been stalled there as Congress has spent months on a health care overhaul.
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