Xcel Energy announces plans to close two coal-fired plants in Pueblo

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission announced Monday its initial approval of Xcel Energy’s Colorado Energy Plan to close two coal-fired units at the Comanche Generating Station in Pueblo.

The decision comes ten years ahead of schedule. The PUC is expected to formalize their decision, which is due by Tuesday, September 4th.

If passed, Xcel plans to replace the output from the Comanche Plants with a two and a half billion dollar investment in renewable energy and battery storage.

Earlier this year, Xcel received multiple low-priced bids to build renewable energy units, arguing they can out-compete fossil fuels in the marketplace.

By 2026, Xcel said they estimate 55 percent of Colorado electricity will be generated by renewable resources, with their total carbon dioxide emissions dropping to 60 percent below 2005 levels.