How do you like your electricity? Hot and fresh from burning polluting and CO2-emitting coal? Or clean and green from the sun and the wind? Colorado Springs Utilities is in the early stages of updating its EIRP – the Electric Integrated Resource Plan, a road map for the city’s electric generation mix over the coming years. Studio 809 assembled a panel of experts to educate us and offer their views on the subject.
Also: Singer/songwriter Lindsay Facknitz entertains with an original song on the subject, and Dave Gardner shares details about the podcasts and the genesis of Studio 809. Emcees are Debbie Vitulli and Dave Gardner. The podfest was co-hosted by Studio 809 and Stargazers Theatre & Event Center. Stage Manager and Audio Recordist: Bill Thomas Editor: Katie Lawrie
Peak Environment is the Pikes Peak region’s podcast about environmental stewardship and sustainability. This episode is courtesy of the Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club. We recorded this episode in front of a live audience at the Peak Environment Podfest, October 19, 2019 at Stargazers Theatre & Event Center.
The panel:
Jane Ard-Smith, Moderator
Scott Harvey
Vice Chair, Utilities Policy Advisory Committee
Colorado Springs Utilities
Civil and architectural engineer, Art of Engineering, Inc
(Scott is speaking as a citizen; not representing Utilities here)
Jim Riggins
The New Energy Market
Anna McDevitt
Senior Campaign Representative, Beyond Coal Campaign
LINKS:
Colorado Springs Utilities – EIRP info
Martin Drake Power Plant Retirement Club
Lindsay and Jeremy Facknitz – Music
UPCOMING ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS:
Green Drinks
Thursday, November 21, 2019
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Smokebrush Farm (Red Crags Estate)
302 El Paso Blvd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Potluck contributions welcome
Some refreshments provided
$5 donation requested
Parking is limited; please carpool if you can
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:
CSU is owned by we Ratepayers. Electric Cost has risen Significantly and probably not all necessary! Green Energy requires 100% natural gas and coal fired backup capability. I doubt most people including the green energy advocates realize it.. Drake shutdown should not occur until CSU has that 100% backup alternative in place and rates should not increase as a result of shutdown. Actually, it looks like we are not to remain a city known for reasonable utility rates.
I think you’ll find the idea of 100% backup is not true, especially now that we have affordable storage options. Listen to episode 37 to get the facts about cost. http://studio809radio.com/peak-environment-37/
Drake should not close until it’s economic life has expired. Ratepayers should not be forced to pay for both the remaining useful life and expensive “green energy “. Keeping energy costs low should be the number one job of the utilities department.
Thanks for your comment, Steve. If you listen closely to this panel, I believe they do mention that renewable energy has become cheaper than burning coal. The longer we keep Drake open, the more your electricity will cost you (and the longer we’ll be contributing to the disruption of the climate that all our children will have to suffer through.