Kaplan Kirsch represented the Mountain Community Coalition (MCC) in a Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceeding. The coalition included seven local governments in Colorado. Members included Summit County and the towns of Breckenridge, Blue River, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone, and Silverthorne. The proceeding concerned the Mountain Energy Project, proposed by Public Service Company of Colorado (the Company).
The Mountain Energy Project sought to address a natural gas supply constraint affecting several mountain communities. A costly new pipeline would have increased greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, the Company proposed a hybrid package of non-pipeline alternatives (NPAs) to address the supply constraint. NPAs meet energy demand without building new pipeline capacity. The package combined gas infrastructure, electric infrastructure, and flexible supplemental supply.
After multiple rounds of testimony and negotiation, Kaplan Kirsch helped the MCC reach a mutually acceptable settlement agreement. The settlement pushed the Company to maximize decarbonization efforts. It also maintains energy affordability, safety, and reliability for MCC residents. Specifically, key provisions include involving local governments in the Company’s outreach strategy for local electrification incentives. The settlement also expands the portfolio of NPAs and reduces supplemental natural gas supply.
As a result, the Mountain Energy Project settlement will help mountain communities continue progressing toward their decarbonization goals and policies. It increases electrification incentives and reduces the additional natural gas the Company adds to the gas system. Member communities’ goals include all-electric, net-zero workforce housing and municipal projects. They also include renewable energy mitigation for outdoor heating, vehicle fleet electrification, and sustainable building codes. Other policies offer homeowner and business rebates for energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy.
Ultimately, the settlement reflects innovative collaboration between a utility and a coalition of local governments. It is a significant step toward alternatives to traditional fossil-based energy systems.