I am going to get straight to the point: The energy gap is real and it’s not going to close by itself.
Colorado’s declared target of reaching 100% clean energy generation by 2040 is a lofty goal. But what is the cost and reality of achieving it? What are the consequences of getting close, but not all the way?
Closing the energy gap poses a serious challenge to San Isabel Electric member-owners and utilities across our state. It’s something all of us should be thinking about because today’s society has an ever-growing
number of things that increase the demand for electricity. Plus, eliminating the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity would have adverse effects on southern Colorado’s job market and the local economy.
How do we generate enough energy to meet our needs without relying on outdated, unreliable, or overly expensive methods? The conversation is dominated by renewable solutions like solar panels and wind
turbines.
Here’s the harsh truth, according to the energy experts: While renewables have their place, they’re not fully up to the task, at least not now. Do we completely rule out renewables to get us to Colorado’s clean energy
goals? Do we build more fossil fuel stations or nuclear power? Or is it something else entirely? The reality is, no one has the full answer yet. And there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
In southern Colorado, no two communities are exactly alike. Each has specific needs. The small farming community of Hoehne and the more densely populated community of Pueblo West use energy in different ways and at different times. There’s not one model for how each community should use energy.
Closing the energy gap is a tough conversation nobody wants to have, but it’s time we face it head-on.
Over the next several months, we’ll lay out the facts — no sugar-coating and no biases. We’ll dive into four of the most practical options: Nuclear power, natural gas turbines, geothermal energy, and renewables paired with batteries. We’ll dissect the pros, the cons, and, most importantly, the cold, hard, practicality of each option for southern Colorado.
Throughout this series, we’ll focus on what matters most to our members: safety, reliability, affordability, and job creation. It’s up to us to make the tough choices and get it done. We need to be present now if we want
a better energy future.
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