2011

On February 16th, 2011 Xcel Energy announced its plans to slash solar incentives for the state of Colorado. They filed with the PUC to reduce their solar rebate from $2.00/watt to $0.25/watt and announced a decrease of REC rebate pricing from $0.25/ watt to $0.01/watt, effective immediately.  This 88%+ decrease erodes market stability and reduces options for consumers across the board.

While Xcel has offered to increase its REC price to $1/watt after the PUC ruling, they could lower this at any point, putting the solar industry at risk.  The rebate amount of $2/watt is controlled by the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) and can only be reduced by a ruling from them. The REC pricing is left completely in Xcel's jurisdiction. Therefore, if the rebate gets reduced and Xcel does stand by its promise to increase REC pricing again after a PUC ruling, it is completely at their discretion to lower this amount whenever they like. This is obviously very concerning.

All of us have worked hard to make Colorado a national leader in clean energy. Creating a stable marketplace is key to economic growth and job creation.  At an informative meeting in Denver a day after the announcement, when asked if the dramatic effect that will be felt in Colorado's renewable job market (ie: large amount of job loss), was considered by Xcel when making this decision, the Xcel representative simply said, "No, no we did not consider that."
We need to work together to address this challenge head on. Here's how you can help.  Post comments in opposition of this proposal here:

http://www.dora.state.co.us/pls/real/CCTS_oWEB.comment_form

The docket number requested can just be listed as "Xcel Solar Rebate Reduction"    some simple comments can include:

1. The PUC needs to promote a stable marketplace - reducing the solar rebate by 88% from $2/watt to $0.25 is unreasonable, excessive and destabilizes the marketplace


   
   • Xcel's proposal has potential to cause significant harm and requires due process with a full vetting of the facts, not an expedited hearing


   • The PUC should reject Xcel's request for such a dramatic change to the rebate program in favor of a more reasonable, predictable and transparent approach which should be developed in collaboration with stakeholders
2. We need to promote job growth in the Colorado renewable energy fields

Just make sure you say you are against it!

Earth Day 2011

Western CO Botanical Gardens

655 Struthers Ave, Grand Junction, CO

Come celebrate Earth Day with High Noon Solar and your Grand Valley neighbors.  High Noon Solar is sponsoring the event this year after 3 years of organizing it.  With the new venue being the Botanical Gardens, Earth Day gets the face lift and attention it deserves.  Come out to help celebrate the earth and learn more about how to make a difference in your world!  A fun filled day for all ages, Earth Day includes informative booths, kids activities, food, music, dancing and lots of great entertainment!

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Avalon Theatre, 646 Main St., Grand Junction, CO

Organized by Western Colorado Congress, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is an annual event featuring films about nature, policy, and organizations who make a difference in the environmental movement.  It is sponsored by High Noon Solar again this year.  The 2011 Wild & Scenic Film Festival will feature 6 new inspiring films, with a focus on rivers and watersheds.  These are two vitally important issues for the Western Colorado region.  As world resources dwindle and populations continue to increase, the fight over rivers escalates.  Come learn more and get inspired.  More information plus ticket sales can be found by following this link.