Coal, gas, solar, wind? How should each of these factor into our utility’s future energy plans? CSU is beginning to develop a new Electric Integrated Resource Plan (EIRP), and the utility wants your help. Michael Avanzi, Energy Planning Manager for the utility, provides an overview of the process, and Jim Riggins, president of Southeastern Colorado Renewable Energy Society, provides an engineer’s perspective on why renewable energy is not just the wisest, most responsible generation resource, but is also now the most economical.
The schedule for retiring the remaining two units of the Martin Drake Power Plant will, of course, be impacted by this EIRP. These presentations provide evidence of the resilience, cost-effectiveness and reliability that renewable energy options can bring to the city. Also discussed: the social costs renewable energy can mitigate, promoting health and sustainability in the region.
Note: Colorado Springs Utilities is simultaneously conducting a gas integrated resource plan.
This episode was recorded at the August Sustainability in Progress meeting hosted by Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us the third Wednesday of every month (7:30 – 9:00 am) at Ivywild School for coffee, pastries and enlightening presentations. It’s free to attend. Send us a note to request meeting notices by email.
About Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region’s sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach.
LINKS:
Colorado Springs Utilities – EIRP info
Southeastern Colorado Renewable Energy Society
Co-Producers: Dave Gardner and Ellen Johnson-Fay
Editor: Katie Lawrie
UPCOMING ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS:
Sustainability in Progress
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
7:30 to 9:00 am
Wildcat Room at Ivywild School
114 W Rio Grande St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
National Drive Electric Week
September 21, 2019
Wasson Academic Campus
2115 Afton Way
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
More information, register, volunteer
Green Drinks
Thursday, September 26, 2019
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Energy Resource Center
114 W Rio Grande St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Pikes Peak Environmental Forum
Southern Colorado Dark Skies Initiative
September 27, 2019
Noon to 2 pm
Margarita at Pine Creek
7350 Pine Creek Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Event is free; you buy your lunch
RSVP here; very important
Creek Week 2019
September 28 – October 6, 2019
Largest watershed-wide cleanup in Colorado. All citizens are encouraged to participate individually in a public event or form a Creek Crew of your own! More information here
Environmental Podfest
October 19, 2019, Noon to 4 pm
Stargazers Theatre & Event Center
Join the live audience participating in 3 podcast episodes
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
Pikes Peak Environmental Forum
Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club
Pikes Peak Library District Green Team
Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Subscribe (free) on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episode:
