The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has approved a proposed $2.5 billion investment in solar, wind and natural gas power in the state.
Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy is seeking to build several large-scale renewable energy projects while retiring two of its coal-fired power plants in Pueblo. According to Xcel, the so-called Colorado Energy Plan will add about 1.1 gigawatts of wind power and 700 megawatts of solar power to its grid by 2026.
Xcel Energy will invest $2.5 billion in clean energy for Pueblo and rural Colorado, including investments in new wind and solar energy, battery storage and transmission upgrades. In addition, the plan will also facilitate a major on-site solar power project that should help keep a major steel mill and its extensive manufacturing jobs in Pueblo.
