Energy, Utilities & Water  June 6, 2019

PVREA eyes shift away from carbon energy sources

WINDSOR — Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association Inc., a Windsor-based electric distribution cooperative serving 44,000 homes and businesses in Northern Colorado, has set an ambitious goal to increase its carbon-free energy sources.

The cooperative, which serves customers in Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties, has announced the “80 by 30” goal, which seeks to increase its carbon-free energy sources from an estimated 33 percent in 2019 to 80 percent by 2030.

It marks the first time that the co-op has established a goal for carbon reduction, an initiative that was approved by the PVREA board of directors in May.

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“Establishing the ‘80 by 30’ goal is our first step toward increased reliance on carbon-free energy sources,” Jeff Wadsworth, president and CEO of PVREA, said in a prepared statement. “By setting this ambitious goal, we have the opportunity to proactively address Colorado’s evolving regulatory environment and manage costs associated with potential future regulatory requirements.

“With support from our board of directors, PVREA is up to the task of achieving this important goal,” Wadsworth added. “We’re beginning the process of defining specific actions to achieve the ‘80 by 30’ goal while maintaining the affordable rates and reliable service our members expect.”

PVREA will seek advances in technologies, including battery storage and grid-management systems, to help reach its goal. The co-op also will continue to promote development of a regional transmission organization and proactively pursue carbon-free generation opportunities.

PVREA in recent years has reduced its dependence on carbon energy sources by purchasing power from smaller, carbon-free generators within its service territory. PVREA’s current power mix includes two hydroelectric generators, four large solar arrays and three community-owned solar farms. PVREA plans to continue the expansion of its local renewable energy generation as a part of the “80 by 30” goal, beginning with completion of two, new large solar arrays in 2019.

PVREA purchases most of its power from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc., a wholesale power supplier, and generates the remaining balance from local renewable-energy facilities and member-owned solar arrays. Tri-State G&T has added nearly 800 megawatts of renewable energy projects in the last decade and plans to add more in the future.

Additional information on the “80 by 30” initiative is available at www.pvrea.coop/80by30.

WINDSOR — Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association Inc., a Windsor-based electric distribution cooperative serving 44,000 homes and businesses in Northern Colorado, has set an ambitious goal to increase its carbon-free energy sources.

The cooperative, which serves customers in Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties, has announced the “80 by 30” goal, which seeks to increase its carbon-free energy sources from an estimated 33 percent in 2019 to 80 percent by 2030.

It marks the first time that the co-op has established a goal for carbon reduction, an initiative that was approved by the PVREA board of directors…

Ken Amundson
Ken Amundson is managing editor of BizWest. He has lived in Loveland and reported on issues in the region since 1987. Prior to Colorado, he reported and edited for news organizations in Minnesota and Iowa. He's a parent of two and grandparent of four, all of whom make their homes on the Front Range. A news junkie at heart, he also enjoys competitive sports, especially the Rapids.
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