FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Platte River Power Authority has submitted a report to the Governor's Energy Office indicating how the utility could reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.
With the assistance of a consultant and customer input gained at six public open houses, a cross-functional team at Platte River evaluated the benefits and costs of various options for reducing GHG emissions. The three most cost-effective options for reaching the emissions goal are reducing reserve energy sales, increasing funding for customer energy efficiency projects and generation of additional wind power.
"These three options would allow us to meet our goal with the lowest possible increase to the rates we must charge," said Platte River General Manager Brian Moeck.
It is estimated that the implementation of the three most cost-effective options would require a 16% increase in the wholesale rate Platte River charges to its owner municipalities. Additional increases may result from federal cap and trade regulations currently being proposed in Washington, D.C.
Platte River's report can be found at www.prpa.org. It was developed voluntarily in support of Governor Ritter’s Colorado Climate Action Plan. Information on Governor Ritter's Plan can be found at http://www.colorado.gov/energy/in/uploaded_pdf/ColoradoClimateActionPlan_001.pdf
Platte River Power Authority generates and delivers reliable, low-cost and environmentally responsible electricity to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado, where it is distributed by each municipal utility to residents and businesses. For more information, please visit, www.prpa.org.