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Document Center

In large, ongoing complex efforts like this, it can be difficult to figure out what documents are important and what are not. Below are some of the most vital items about the proposed transmission line and the better alternatives that exist.

For more detailed information, you can also view a full archive of documents related to the state and federal approval processes. Visit the Public Utilities Commission’s E-Filing Site to view all documents related to the state approval process. For important documents related to the federal approval process, you can visit our Environmental Impact Statement page.

Articles

  • Louis Bacon Commentary on Public Utilities Commission Ruling: Trinchera Ranch owner, Louis Bacon, offers an honest, candid account of the utilities’ flawed transmission-line plan and his perspective on the mistake made by the Public Utilities Commission in recommending state approval for the utilities’ project.
  • Article on Xcel Meeting Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard: Xcel originally claimed that this transmission line was needed to meet Colorado’s 2020 renewable energy mandate. In this May 2011 article, they acknowledge they will have no problem meeting the 30% renewable energy requirement by 2012 – eight years early.

Legal Filings

  • Request for Rehearing and Reconsideration: This summarizes many of the reasons why the Public Utilities Commission should reconsider its recommendation to grant Xcel and Tri-State state-level approval for its excessive, overbuilt and unnecessary project.
  • February 2010 Statement of Position: Filed at the conclusion of evidence being submitted in the state approval process, this document summarizes the reasons the why utilities’ proposed project is not appropriate.
  • March 2010 Response to Statements of Position: Filed in response to the utilities’ February 2010 Statement of Position,  this document debunks many of the claims the utilities have made about their proposed project and the feasibility of other alternatives.

Testimony

  • Richard Mignogna Testimony: The Public Utilities Commission’s top expert on renewable energy recommends that serious consideration be given to a smaller scale, phased, more-responsible energy plan by using existing power lines to connect into the Xcel grid at Poncha Springs as a more prudent approach than building a new line.
  • Northern Alternative Connectivity Testimony: The utilities claim that there is insufficient physical or contractual space (called Contract Path) for alternatives north of Alamosa to transmit electricity to the Front Range. This testimony, from a nationally recognized energy expert that is a former senior-level transmission planner for Xcel, confirms that feasible and economical ways exist for the utilities to obtain more than three-times the amount of Contract Path they need.

Reports

  • Transmission Alternatives Report: This report, prepared by national energy expert James Dauphinais, confirms that there are several less-costly alternatives that can solve Southern Colorado’s energy reliability issues and carry more power than the utilities’ proposal.
  • Xcel’s Renewable Energy Compliance Plan: Although Xcel’s previous RES compliance plan forecast an acquisition of 1,000+ MW of solar thermal resources, Xcel’s latest plan conspicuously makes no mention of such resources. This provides further proof that the transmission line is not needed to export renewable energy.
  • Poncha Pass Fire Risk Report: The utilities claim that a new transmission line north of Alamosa is infeasible because of potential forest fires. This report, prepared by national expert and former Forest Supervisor Jim Webb, proves that the fire risk on Poncha Pass is very remote and can be easily reduced with common mitigation practices.