DENVER – Public comment is sought on Black Hills Electric’s 2022 Electric Resource Plan (ERP), Clean, Energy Plan (CEP), and their 2023-2026 Renewable Energy Standard Compliance Plan, on Thursday Nov. 10, from 4-6 p.m. The meeting will be located at the Pueblo Convention Center, Fortino Grand Ballroom A, located at 320 Central Main St, Pueblo, CO.
ERPs are like roadmaps for utilities to plan for and acquire generation sources. RES Compliance Plans set forth the incentives and programs utilities will use to ensure that at least 30 percent of retail electricity sales will be generated by renewable energy.
Black Hills Electric provides service to approximately 100,000 customers in 24 counties, including the City of Pueblo, Cañon City, Cripple Creek, and Rocky Ford among others. Under Senate Bill 19-236, Black Hills’ CEP is required to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 based on 2005 levels. Black Hills’ preferred plan is projected to exceed the statutory minimum and produce a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. To do this, Black Hills plans to add roughly 450 megawatts (MW) of new clean energy resources such as wind, solar, and battery storage.
In addition, Black Hills Electric plans to add incentives through its 2023-2026 RES Compliance Plan to provide and encourage programs such as rooftop and off-site solar, as well as community solar gardens for residents and businesses.
Black Hills Electric expects that impacts to customers from both the ERP/CEP and the RES Compliance Plan will result in short-term customer bill savings. However, long-term overall costs from the proposed resource mix might be higher than they would be currently.
The commissioners are scheduling an additional virtual public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. Additional details to follow.
To register to speak at the Nov. 10 public hearing, click here.
For more information on the proceeding, please visit: Proceeding Number 22A-0230.
In addition, members of the public can submit written comments through the Commission’s E-Filing System at https://www.dora.state.co.us/pls/efi/EFI.homepage, by emailing dora_puc_website@state.co.us, or by mailing comments to Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public can also call 303.869.3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options).
The PUC strives to accommodate all members of the public at its hearings and meetings by providing services for foreign language users and persons with disabilities upon receipt of a reasonable accommodation request. Requests for such accommodations should be made at least one week prior to the event by completing the Language Access Form. Requests can also be made directly by contacting Holly Bise at 303.894.2024 or by emailing holly.bise@state.co.us. Simultaneous Spanish interpreting will be provided from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The public is invited to view the hearing via the Commission's Webcast at https://puc.colorado.gov/webcasts.