In an opinion piece for The Colorado Sun, United's Emilie Olson urges Colorado to maintain its clean energy leadership by laying out smart, actionable policy opportunities for 2026, such as expanding transmission buildout, implementing coordinated gas-electric system planning, and investing in proven advanced energy technologies that ensure a reliable and affordable grid. As this was a slower legislative year for clean energy advancements, Olson calls on lawmakers to rise to the challenge next session and follow through on Colorado’s clean energy promises.
The Colorado Sun: Opinion - Who Will Carry the Torch for Colorado’s Clean Energy Future?
Topics: State Policy, United In The News, Colorado, Emilie Olson
Big Pivots discusses the potential impacts on Colorado if the U.S. Senate passes the budget reconciliation bill, which proposes to eliminate several federal tax credits. United's Harry Godfrey stated that, while the Senate's decision is still pending, the removal of key tax incentives could harm private investments in Colorado's advanced energy sector.
Topics: United In The News, Colorado, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities
The Colorado Sun: Xcel’s $30M Plan To Join Regional “Power Pool” Panned for High Cost, Lack of Benefit
The Colorado Sun reports that Colorado's largest utility, Xcel Energy, is facing criticism over its proposed plan to join SPP's Markets+ day-ahead market. United's Brian Turner urges Xcel to look West to CAISO's EDAM, where studies show greater savings and stronger alignment with Colorado's clean energy and affordability goals.
Topics: United In The News, Colorado, Western RTO, Brian Turner
New Report Shows Greater Benefits to Colorado from a Bigger Energy Market
Xcel Energy has proposed joining a smaller market with less clean energy, whichmeans higher costs for ratepayers
DENVER, CO — A new report from Aurora Energy Research assesses the potential for Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy) to join a regional electricity market in the West.
The report evaluates the economic benefits of different day-ahead market participation scenarios and found that Xcel Energy’s proposal to join the relatively small and disjointed Markets+, run by the Arkansas-based Southwest Power Pool (SPP), would increase both costs and greenhouse gas emissions compared with other options. Compared to Markets+, participating in the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) would yield between $4.2 and $13.2 million per year greater savings through 2060.
Topics: Press Releases, Colorado, Western RTO, Brian Turner
Colorado Legislature Passes NextGen Highways Bill, Unlocking More Transmission Development in the State
HB25-1292 will open existing state highway rights-of-way for electric transmission lines, helping meet Colorado’s growing demand for clean, reliable energy
DENVER, CO—Today, the Colorado Legislature has officially passed HB 25-1292, known as the “NextGen Highways” bill, marking a major step forward in modernizing Colorado’s electric transmission infrastructure. The bill now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for signature.
Topics: Press Releases, Colorado, Emilie Olson, Transmission
Big Pivots reports on two energy bills in Colorado, one being Senate Bill 25-127, which encourages investor-owned utilities to deploy advanced transmission technologies to strengthen the state's electric transmission system. United's Leah Rubin Shen calls this bill a "no-regrets" solution that can improve reliability, prevent power outages, and save ratepayers money.
Topics: United In The News, Colorado, Leah Rubin Shen, Transmission
Big Pivots reports that Colorado has established itself as a national leader in the energy transition, but emphasizes the need for continued efforts to sustain its momentum. The article quotes United's Leah Rubin Shen, who highlights the state's leadership in distribution system planning.
Topics: United In The News, Colorado, Leah Rubin Shen
Big Pivots: What Does the Election Mean for Colorado’s Decarbonization Goals?
Big Pivots discusses the potential impacts of the 2024 election on Colorado's decarbonization goals in an interview with several clean energy experts, including United's Leah Rubin Shen, who highlights Colorado’s robust policies and strategic use of federal funds, emphasizing that the state is well-positioned to continue advancing its decarbonization efforts as planned.
Topics: United In The News, Colorado, Leah Rubin Shen
The Colorado Sun: With Colorado Governor’s Signature, the State’s Electric Utilities Now Must Invest in Upgrades for the Future
In an opinion column featured in The Colorado Sun, United's Emilie Olson advocates for Colorado Governor Jared Polis to sign Senate Bill 218, which would require state electric utilities to proactively and strategically invest in distribution grid updates and connect communities to clean energy efficiently and transparently.
Topics: State Policy, United In The News, Colorado
E&E News: Colorado’s Boost to Electric Grid Could Be National Model
E&E News reports on the passage of legislation in Colorado that, if signed into law, would help to modernize the state's electric grid and compel Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest electric utility, to make upgrades to the distribution system. In the article, United's Emilie Olson commends Colorado lawmakers for their support of the bill's holistic approach in addressing distribution system needs while aligning with the state's goals for decarbonization.
Topics: State Policy, Advanced Transportation, United In The News, Colorado, Emilie Olson, Building Decarbonization