Communicating The San Luis Valley Issue
To XCEL Energy And The PUC
Select links to see details.

Led by Wayne Caldwell, the San Luis Valley interests have communicated concern for Xcel Energy's "Secondary General" rate structure: PUC letter - April 11, 2008, GEO Letter - June 8, 2008, and PUC filing in DOCKET NO. 08I-420. CHEN facilitated December 16, 2008 meetings with Xcel Energy and ex-parte meetings with each PUC Commissioner (click here for summary). In addition, Senator Gale Schwartz secured statutory language directing the PUC to address the issue.

The Public Utilities Commission Responds

During an investigation of possible customer incentives (Docket No. 08I-420EG) the Commission has identified five policy issues (see Decision No C08-1338) for further investigation including "Rate design as a method to encourage on-site renewable generation".

CHEN is seeking resources with which to pursue the issue during the upcoming Xcel Energy rate case. Power Purchase Agreement Option Leaders in the San Luis Valley are examining possible development of a demonstration project to market onsite solar development in the valley.

Under a power purchase agreement with Xcel Energy, landowners would be offered a standard agreement that would insure a reasonable return for their investment. This approach would maximize economic benefits to the Valley.