Power Grab Over Colorado’s Power Lines

By Ceal Smith, Renewable Communities Alliance

Colorado, USA — Last Friday, Governor Hickenlooper signed SB 045 into law. The law creates a 17-member task force, comprised largely of utility interests, to decide if a commission to streamline new transmission siting and permitting decisions is needed. The study is expected to be privately funded by utility interests.

As we’ve argued previously, such a commission would effectively undermine local decision-making authority over new transmission and slow down progress on renewable energy by forcing costly ($1.5 million/mile on average) and unnecessary new transmission.

While the result is, perhaps, a foregone conclusion, the task force must at least consider public input (gathered through four open meetings) before making its recommendation by December 1st. Those who support utility transparency, local control and distributed renewable energy generation shouldn’t miss the opportunity to participate in these meetings.

What is the reasoning behind SB 045?

The bill clearly states that, “the development of new electric transmission facilities is necessary to promote the development of additional clean and renewable electric generation resources, Colorado’s energy security, and the state’s long-term economic growth.”

Read More at Renewable Energy World