Protesters challenge 2nd rate hike for Xcel Energy

DENVER - About two dozen protesters against the use of coal to generate power, rallied in front of the Public Utilities Commission building in Denver Tuesday where the PUC is holding hearings on Xcel's second rate hike request this year.

The increase would cost the average residential customer 7.6 percent, or $4.92 a month. Xcel was granted a $112 million increase in July.

Those protesting the requested $177.4 million electric-rate increase today say it would allow Xcel to open a coal-fired plant near Pueblo. The Commanche 3 plant is already built.

"We want our electricity and our jobs to come from renewable, clean, free energy, which Colorado has lots of," said Mimsy Milton of Littleton.

An Xcel Energy spokesman says the new 750 megawatt plant is the result of a landmark settlement with environmental groups including the Sierra Club. The $1.3 billion price tag includes $400 million to retrofit to existing facilities with emission and mercury-control equipment.

Xcel says it both appreciates the desire to use more renewable energy, but has already taken major steps toward using wind and solar technologies. Spokesman Mark Stutz says Xcel uses wind power more than any other power company and is the top five for solar power. He says the problem, however, is renewable sources cannot provide as much power as is needed.

"Coal and natural gas are the only generating sources out there that aren't intermittent," Stutz said. "With wind and solar, while very good and clean resources, don't always produce when demand is high."