In February, I announced a shift in our energy transition strategy due to inflated wind and solar costs and transmission capacity challenges. I also mentioned our pursuit of alternative paths that meet our reliability needs and protect our community’s interests, while also acknowledging Colorado’s emission reduction targets.
It is in that spirit that I recently testified in front of state policymakers in support of HB25-1040 – a bill that would designate nuclear as a clean energy resource in Colorado.
With growing customer demand and the emergence of new technologies like AI and data centers, it is increasingly critical that we have access to firm baseload power, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no matter the weather. This is an area that renewable resources like wind and solar currently fall short, even with battery energy system storage.
We believe resources like advanced nuclear power have the future potential to achieve the best balance of cost, reliability and zero carbon emissions. Having this kind of access to reliable, clean and firm baseload power would give us a responsible path for incorporating more intermittent wind and solar resources over time.
Although we are still in the preliminary stages of examining the viability of nuclear energy, we cannot afford to shut the door on any solution that could allow us to meet the state’s climate targets and maintain service reliability.