Colorado PUC adopts landmark gas regulatory decision

Home

April 17, 2024 | Sierra Club, Western Resource Advocates, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, and NRDC

Yesterday, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) finalized its decision on Xcel Energy’s first Gas Infrastructure Plan (GIP). The landmark decision is a major win for energy affordability and the climate, putting the gas company on a path towards scaling down investment in fossil infrastructure and incorporating many of the suggested improvements made by our organizations to improve the company’s gas planning processes to scale up the investment in clean energy resources.  

The PUC decision directs Xcel’s future GIPs to assess a broader suite of opportunities for replacing polluting and expensive fossil gas investments with Non-Pipeline Alternatives (NPAs). NPAs like energy efficiency and electrification can reduce demand for fossil gas, postponing or eliminating the need for new pipeline extensions, replacements, or capacity and unlocking emissions reductions and cost savings for Coloradans.  

Colorado’s clean heat goals 

In 2021, Colorado’s legislature passed Senate Bill 21-264, requiring the state’s largest utilities to reduce climate pollution from their gas systems by deploying “Clean Heat” resources, such as beneficial electrification and energy efficiency. As gas utilities cut emissions, gas use is expected to decline as households transition to clean, electric appliances – meaning that any new gas infrastructure put in the ground today may be unnecessary before it is paid off by customers. These poorly-planned investments are often called “stranded assets.” 

To ensure that gas investments are aligned with Colorado’s long-term affordability and climate goals, the PUC opted to require the state’s gas utilities to file biannual GIP, with the first plan detailing planned gas investments and comparing a select few to NPAs. As Colorado’s largest gas utility, Xcel filed its first plan last year.  

Business-as-usual gas investment “no longer acceptable” 

Xcel’s plan presumed that its gas system will continue to grow in coming decades – a proposal that is clearly at odds with Colorado’s climate goals and experts’ calls for a rapid reduction in pollution coming from gas burned in buildings.  

The PUC’s decision recognizes Xcel’s future GIPs must plan for an affordable, clean energy future. The ruling finds that “legacy planning processes” and business-as-usual gas investment is “no longer acceptable nor in the best interest of ratepayers” (p. 7). It directs Xcel to update its forecasted gas needs to account for factors like local building electrification policies, which will help avoid overstating the expected gas need and making unnecessary investments that are out-of-line with Colorado’s climate goals and market trends. (p. 19-20). The PUC further emphasizes that, if Xcel moves forward with gas infrastructure investments without GIP or other regulatory review, “it is likely doing so at its own risk” (p. 33). 

We find that at this critical point in the transition decarbonizing heating, with significant outside incentives and wide availability of highly efficient electric heating options, it is imperative that we evaluate feasible options to save money for ratepayers and reduce the potential for stranded assets, rather than continuing in a business-as-usual fashion with [gas] infrastructure investments” (p. 39). 

Ultimately, the PUC’s order will make welcome changes aligning Colorado’s Gas Infrastructure Planning processes with best practices. It will require Xcel Energy in its next GIP, due in 2025, to evaluate NPAs for all large gas infrastructure projects that propose to expand the company’s gas system – up from the five NPAs that Xcel was required to present in its first GIP.

This decision will deliver significant affordability and climate benefits to Coloradans. Xcel projects total gas system expenditures of about $2.38 billion between 2023-27, and much more beyond that five-year period. The commission’s decision will begin to align this massive gas utility investment with Colorado’s climate targets, saving customers money and reducing the risk of stranded gas assets.  

Glossary of terms
  • Colorado PUC: The Public Utilities Commission is made up of three commissioners appointed by the Governor who serve four-year terms. They are responsible for “regulating electric, steam, gas, water, transportation, and telecommunications companies, plus rail and transit and gas pipeline safety.” This includes major utilities like Xcel. See a helpful fact sheet here.
  • GIP: Gas infrastructure planning is a new process for the PUC, utilities, and stakeholders after Senate Bill 21-264 was passed in 2021. GIPs are submitted by utilities and provide information and data about the kinds of investments they want to make and the cost of those investments before spending money on projects.  
  • Non-Pipeline Alternatives: NPA is a catch-all term for any targeted investment or activity intended to reduce or remove the need for fossil gas pipeline infrastructure. NPAs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower costs for consumers and utility companies. Beneficial electrification and energy efficiency are examples of NPAs.  
  • Beneficial Electrification: Beneficial electrification is a term for “replacing direct fossil fuel use (e.g., propane, heating oil, gasoline) with electricity in a way that reduces overall emissions and energy costs.” Read more here.
  • Stranded gas assets: As we transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, infrastructure meant for gas and other fossil fuels will often become obsolete and unnecessary. This fossil fuel infrastructure, termed stranded assets, is not used for its full economic lifetime and becomes a financial and environmental liability.

April 5, 2024 | Jim Meyers, Buildings Program Director

Last month, the International Code Council (ICC) Board of Directors made its final decision on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and none of us who served on the consensus committee or follow codes closely were expecting the outcome.

I have served on the 2024 IECC residential consensus committee for the past two-and-a-half years. Unfortunately, the Board removed certain provisions from the code that our committee spent thousands of person-hours developing, that had been approved by over 90% of the committees involved as well as the appeals board, that would have helped decarbonize buildings, and that met the intent of the code.  

The development of the 2024 IECC began two years ago with the ICC Board’s creation of a new scope and intent section. As the committees and subcommittees started working on the new IECC, we had regular, extensive discussions with ICC to ensure our work was consistent with the new intent and scope and would be appropriate for the body of the code (as opposed to optional appendices). This included topics like electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, solar readiness, and electrification that impact energy use more broadly.

The committees thought they had followed ICC’s guidance and thought they had received a clear directive from the ICC to incorporate decarbonization requirements into the code’s body. However, after almost two-and-a-half years, the Board reinterpreted the scope and intent, pulling the rug out from under our collective work.

The Board’s announcement signals the conclusion of a prolonged effort that leaves the future of enhancements to the IECC uncertain, yet again. The Board’s decision raises concerns about the new IECC standards process moving forward.

I believe it would have been more helpful if the Board had been clearer in 2022 when we first asked these questions. Many professionals in the code development world share the same sentiment, feeling that the Board did a disservice to the committees.

What does this mean for us now? With the publication of the 2024 IECC, several new residential appendices will be available for states and municipalities to include in their locally adopted energy codes. This is the positive outcome I mentioned earlier, akin to making lemonade out of lemons.

It’s important to note that the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) will continue to work at the state and local level to improve efficiency in the energy code and increase opportunities for decarbonization in local policy. The appendices provide this opportunity. The new appendices were developed over a lengthy time by a large stakeholder group from building industries. They are nationally vetted, in codified language, and ready to be added to state and local amendments.

The residential appendices will now include provisions for the following:

  • EV infrastructure
  • Electrification readiness
  • Zero Energy
  • Electric energy storage
  • All electric residential buildings
  • IECC stretch code
  • Operational carbon rating and energy reporting

Yes, we are disappointed that the Board removed items from the code’s body and instead put them in voluntary appendices. We are also disappointed that the Board moved some of the new appendices to a resource and/or added a cautionary note to its use. We are also unsure what the Board’s actions mean for future IECC development. We have concerns about transparency, the integrity of the standards development process, and the ICC’s commitment to improving the IECC. 

In the meantime, SWEEP will continue to work at the state and local levels to support policy and code updates that support state and municipal sustainability and clean energy goals. To learn more about how SWEEP can support your building code and building policy updates, contact the Buildings Program team at SWEEP.  You can start with me at jmeyers@swenergy.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2024

Contacts:
Travis Madsen, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Ona Porter, Prosperity Works

[SANTA FE, NM] – Today, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved El Paso Electric’s (EPE) 2024-26 Transportation Electrification Plan, authorizing EPE to spend up to $11.6 million to support electric vehicle (EV) deployment in its service territory over the next three years. This represents a more than 20-fold increase in the scale of EPE’s electric transportation offerings.

“By investing in electric vehicles, El Paso Electric is helping its customers save money while cleaning up our air,” said Travis Madsen, Transportation Program Director at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). “Every customer should take a close look at how this new plan can help you get where you need to go for less.”

EPE’s EV plan includes a wide range of support for residential, commercial, and institutional customers to assist with planning transportation electrification projects, installing EV charging stations, and deploying EVs; along with customer education and marketing initiatives to help people understand how EVs can save them money while helping to reduce air pollution and slow climate change.

Notably, the NM PRC approved a utility-funded EV rebate for low-income customers (defined as those with a household adjusted gross income of less than 200% of the federal poverty level). Specifically, EPE will be offering 50 rebates of $4,000 for the purchase of a new or used EV. The rebates will stack with the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 for a new EV or up to $4,000 for a used EV, as well as with the newly-approved state EV tax credit of $3,000 for a new EV or $2,000 for a used plug-in hybrid EV. These rebates are designed to be available via vehicle dealers (and not via private sale). Customers who obtain a vehicle using any of these credits can work with EPE to obtain additional financial support for installing necessary charging infrastructure at homes or businesses that the utility serves. Additionally, the plan will include 140 rebates for customers who purchase electric bicycles.

“The point of sale discounts for electric vehicles and bikes that were approved today are precisely what limited income New Mexicans need to participate in the electric transportation revolution,” said Ona Porter, Founder Emerita and clean energy leader at Prosperity Works. “With this decision, both EPE and the NM PRC affirm our understanding that we cannot reach our climate goals without including everyone in the purchase and use of the technologies that improve collective wellbeing.” 

The EV rebate was included after advocacy by Mr. Madsen, representing the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE), along with Ms. Porter. They noted that realizing the full potential of EVs to help people save money and to reduce air pollution will require more of them on the road. 

EVs are a critical tool that can help families in southern New Mexico save money. SWEEP estimates that a typical household in the area, driving combustion vehicles, spends about $2,700 per year on fuel. If that typical household switched to EVs and charged them at home and at night, when demand for electricity is typically low, and used EPE’s EV charging incentive credit for the best electricity rate, the family would save as much as $2,600 per year on fuel; with additional savings coming from the fact that EVs need less maintenance than combustion cars. 

Statewide, if New Mexico electrified all of its cars and trucks, SWEEP estimates total benefits in the range of $50 billion through 2050, including savings on driving, improved public health, less climate change, and savings on electricity that come from using our grid more efficiently.

“EV rebates for low-income New Mexicans will put more of them on our roads.” said Cara Lynch, attorney for CCAE and Prosperity Works. “The benefits to the electric grid take place only when EVs are driven. More than 60% of customers in EPE’s territory experience being low-income.” 

SWEEP expects that the cost of the plan will be more than covered by the additional revenue that EV drivers put into the electricity system when they charge their vehicles. Instead of paying for gasoline, EV drivers will be redirecting that money toward electricity service. The more EVs that customers or visitors drive in southern New Mexico, the more money EPE will be able to invest in infrastructure to support more EVs. That helps put downward pressure on the rates that all electricity customers pay, whether they drive an EV or not.

“New Mexico is speeding ahead toward a clean, efficient and affordable transportation future,” concluded Madsen. “El Paso Electric’s new transportation electrification plan aligns well with recent steps taken by Governor Lujan Grisham and state leaders, including the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars and Trucks Program, the creation of a new state EV tax credit, and the authorization of a statewide Clean Fuel Standard.”

CCAE and Prosperity Works were represented before the NM PRC by counsel Charles de Saillan and Cara Lynch. For more details about the plan and the case, see Public Regulation Commission Docket No. 23-00231-UT.

###

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. swenergy.org

Prosperity Works builds the capacity of communities and organizations, and advocates for policies that generate economic prosperity for all New Mexicans. prosperityworks.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2024

Contact:
Michael Kenney, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
mkenney@swenergy.org

[SANTA FE, NM] – The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) approved the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s (PNM) 2024-26 energy efficiency and load management plan on March 7, 2024. With this plan, PNM proposed to continue moving forward cost-effective energy and demand saving programs for residential and business customers while also adding an all-electric new construction pilot. The latter effort is a step in the right direction for the utility, recognizing that to reach state climate goals more homes need to rely on clean electricity for heating and cooling. The programs will deliver many benefits to customers including lower utility bills, improved comfort, improved air quality, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. PNM expects to spend roughly $35 million to deliver close to 100 gigawatt (GW) hours in electricity savings and 83 GW of demand reductions annually. 

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) presented expert testimony in support of the application at the Commission hearing, working closely with attorneys from the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE). As a result of SWEEP and CCAE’s work, PNM will offer greater incentives for heat pumps to encourage more uptake of the hugely efficient technology. PNM will also be seeking new demand response program opportunities to deliver customers more cost savings and reliable service. 

“New Mexico has positioned itself as a leader in the energy efficiency space having already submitted its application for Inflation Reduction Act rebates to the Department of Energy. Today, the Commission’s vote to approve PNM’s 2024-26 energy efficiency and load management application keeps the positive momentum going in New Mexico. It delivers a multitude of benefits to customers, especially low-income households and works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. As the federal rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act and the programs approved today get into place, PNM customers will be well positioned to receive thousands of dollars to help them adopt efficient heat pump technology.” – Michael Kenney, Senior Program Manager at SWEEP.

To learn more about the proceeding and to the decision see Case No. 23-00138-UT here: https://edocket.prc.nm.gov/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f.

###

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. swenergy.org

March 7, 2024 | Christy Bolognani, Buildings Program Associate

Thanks to ambitious emissions goals set by state and local governments, today’s buildings are more efficient and electrified than ever before. Technologies such as solar and battery storage, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and heat pumps are becoming regular features of new homes and buildings, making ongoing training and education critical to keeping your staff prepared during permitting and inspections. Whether you’re a code official, a planning and zoning department, or a fire official, finding the right training programs to meet your needs takes time and careful planning. Fortunately, keeping current on the latest systems, codes, and standards has never been easier, thanks to resources from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and its partners. Whether you’re looking for online courses, articles, or quick references, IREC has you covered.

For a comprehensive selection of free and on-demand educational resources and CEU-bearing (Continuing Education Units) courses on a variety of clean energy topics, look no further than the Clean Energy Clearinghouse. This online platform covers topics such as permitting and plan review, inspections, building science, weatherization, building electrification, and codes and standards. Visitors can also filter by technology and take a deep dive into solar and storage, EVSE, efficient HVAC systems such as heat pumps, and high-performance building materials. 

The Clearinghouse features a variety of resource types to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, including articles, guides/checklists, webinars, interactive courses, reports, and informational videos. All training materials were developed in partnership with highly respected subject matter experts such as the International Code Council, Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry, and National Association of State Fire Marshals, so you can rest assured that you and your staff are receiving accurate, relevant, and cutting-edge information. 

The benefits of equipping your staff with fact-based information about the safety and efficacy of these technologies are many and include:

  • Decreased permitting and inspection times
  • Properly certified staff
  • Safe installations of clean energy technologies
  • Improved working relationships with system installers 

Start planning your next training today by visiting CleanEnergyClearninghouse.org to access the Clean Energy Clearinghouse’s catalog of on-demand resources. To complete free CEU-bearing courses, visit IREC’s learning management system at CleanEnergyTraining.org.

In this era of rapid change to the built environment, keeping your staff knowledgeable about new and emerging technologies is critical to supporting today’s buildings. And as state and local governments implement their emissions reduction plans, the need for additional trained staff will only increase. Accelerate your department’s knowledge with the full catalog of affordable and engaging workforce development solutions from IREC. 

SWEEP worked in partnership with IREC in 2023 and 2024 to share these educational resources with stakeholders across the Southwest.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2024

Contact:
Caryn Potter, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) | cpotter@swenergy.org, 602-312-1345

__________

[PHOENIX, AZ] – Salt River Project’s (SRP) Board of Directors adopted improved sustainability goals through 2035 for the Arizona-based public power utility. The new commitments were adopted after a seven-month stakeholder engagement process that sought input from local governments, corporations, universities, and public interest organizations, including the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). 

The 14 updated goals are considered a subset of SRP’s larger corporate objectives, demonstrating SRP’s recognition of sustainability’s role in maintaining affordable and reliable power. They include commitments for the utility to reduce carbon emissions from its generation fleet, expand investment in energy efficiency, save water, accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), and boost customer and employee engagement, among others. Indeed, by 2035 SRP has committed to:

  • Reducing 82%* of carbon emissions emitted per megawatt hour generated – the equivalent of a 61%** reduction in total carbon emissions below 2005 levels.
  • Delivering over four million megawatt-hours of annual energy savings.
  • Supporting the electrification of one million EVs and managing the charging of 90% of them through pricing plans and other programs.

SWEEP commends SRP for enhancing its corporate sustainability goals and encourages the utility to continue accelerating its transition to clean energy and reduced carbon emissions.

“Transitioning Arizona’s economy to one that is clean and carbon-free is no easy task. Yet, SRP’s upgraded corporate goals illustrate that reducing energy use and air pollution while growing the economy is possible and benefits everyone,” said Caryn Potter, Arizona Representative for SWEEP. “Customers don’t need to compromise between a cleaner environment, affordable bills, or reliable power. They can enjoy all three.” 

SRP intends to report annually on progress towards achieving these goals, detailing advancements in reducing carbon on an intensity and mass basis and metrics related to energy efficiency and EV adoption.

###

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. swenergy.org

*See Exhibit 2: “Detailed Updates To 2035 Sustainability Goals,” on page 90.
**See “SRP’s 2023 Integrated System Plan Executive Summary,” on Page 12.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2024

Contact:
Caryn Potter, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) | cpotter@swenergy.org, 602-312-1345

__________

[PHOENIX, AZ] – In a 4-1 decision Thursday night, utility regulators at the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approved Arizona Public Service’s (APS) request to increase rates despite uncertainties regarding the impact on customer electric bills and the relaxation of reporting requirements, raising concerns about transparency and consumer protection. The Commission also raised APS’s profits with a Return of Equity from 8.7% to 9.55% without fully understanding the impacts of this decision on the amount that customers will pay every month. 

This decision comes amidst a deluge of consumer comments filed at the ACC, reflecting widespread concern regarding their ability to manage utility bills.

The ACC also rejected proposals to make the cost of electric service to customers more transparent, including a sensible public reporting process on APS’s regional electric markets activities recommended by the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP). The Commission also approved a new capital investment adjustor called the System Reliability Benefits Mechanism that will allow APS to charge ratepayers for new power projects that aren’t in service yet – increasing the risk of overcharges.

“At a time when APS customers already feel the financial strain of last year’s bill increases,  approving further rate hikes without a comprehensive understanding of their ultimate impacts is deeply concerning,” said Caryn Potter, Arizona Representative for SWEEP. “This decision highlights the necessity for APS to provide additional avenues for customers to reduce their monthly energy consumption. Among these, utility energy efficiency programs emerge as one of the most effective means for customers to alleviate the tangible effects of this rate hike.”

Approval of APS’s rate increase comes at the same time the Commission has announced its intention to repeal the Arizona Energy Efficiency Resource Standard, which has saved APS Customers more than 7.4 Million Megawatt Hours of energy, which is equivalent to the energy use of more than 660,077 homes per year.*

###

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. swenergy.org

*Calculated using the Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator

February 6, 2024 | Neil Kolwey, Industrial Program Director & Building Electrification Specialist

Both air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) and ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) offer improved efficiencies and greatly reduced greenhouse gas emissions for heating of residential and commercial buildings compared to gas or propane heating systems. Increasing the installations of these heat pump technologies is an important pathway for Colorado to achieve its climate goals for residential and commercial buildings.

GSHPs offer improved efficiencies compared to ASHPs, but at significantly greater upfront costs. Therefore, GSHPs will be most cost-effective and will achieve the greatest benefits for larger buildings or for networks of buildings, including these applications: 

  • Schools (K-12) and college/university buildings
  • Medium-size and larger commercial buildings
  • Geothermal networks for new home developments or a mix of residential and commercial buildings

Colorado has many examples of these types of applications, and we highlight several in the new report, “Ground source heat pumps: Opportunities and challenges.” With a focused effort among GSHP businesses, building owners, real estate professionals, and policymakers, there is great potential for expanding GSHP use in these types of building scenarios.

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) anticipates that the residential GSHP market will remain a niche market for large single-family homes on the Front Range and in the high country. This market will continue to grow organically via small GSHP businesses, and Colorado can demonstrate GSHPs’ contribution to the path toward more sustainable and lower carbon buildings. In doing so, we can also set an example for other states.

READ THE REPORT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2024

Contact:
Michael Kenney, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project | mkenney@swenergy.org

__________

[SANTA FE, NM] – The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved the Southwestern Public Service Company’s (SPS) grid modernization application on January 25, 2024. New Mexico remains one of the last states in the nation relying on outdated electric meters and distribution system controls. The current equipment limits the ability of electric utilities like SPS to integrate behind-the-meter rooftop solar, identify outages, help customers to understand how they use energy and when, and offer new energy saving programs. With this decision, SPS will update its metering infrastructure and modernize its distribution system for real-time monitoring and energy management. SPS customers will gain valuable insights into their energy usage and be more informed about steps they can take to reduce their bills. The Commission took an additional step requiring SPS to pursue a rigorous time-of-use (TOU) rate pilot to capture the benefits of grid modernization. A TOU rate sets different prices for electricity, typically a peak price and an off-peak price, encouraging customers to use energy when it is cheapest and limiting use when energy is expensive. When designed effectively and widely adopted, a TOU rate can keep overall system costs lower, prevent building new fossil fuel powered generation, and potentially lower customer bills.

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) presented expert testimony in support of the SPS grid modernization plan at the Commission hearing, working closely with attorneys from the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy (CCAE). SWEEP and CCAE commend SPS and the Commission for moving ahead with advanced meters and distribution system upgrades. It will unlock more efficient management of the distribution system, new energy efficiency and load management program designs, and new rate designs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants, and lower system costs. SWEEP is especially appreciative of the Commission requiring the development of a pilot TOU rate that better reflects the costs of providing electricity. The TOU issue remained contested throughout the proceeding. SWEEP and CCAE argued that in order to maximize the customer benefits of grid modernization SPS needed to pursue a widely adopted TOU rate. 

A modernized distribution system will also enable SPS to integrate behind-them-meter renewable energy more easily to the grid. All together, this decision will support SPS on its path to launch new energy efficiency and load management programs, integrate more renewable energy, and meet clean energy and climate goals.

“The Commission’s decision to approve SPS’ grid modernization application is a giant step forward that adds more tools to the toolbox for achieving energy savings, delivering renewable energy, and meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals. Modernizing the distribution system brings not only reliability and resilience benefits but also improved energy efficiency and load management programs, and better customer insight into energy usage.” – Michael Kenney, SWEEP

To learn more about the proceeding and to the decision see Case No. 22-00178-UT here: https://edocket.nmprc.state.nm.us/Login.aspx.

###

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is a public interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. swenergy.org