Photo description: Colorado Springs Utilities Energy Workshop
On August 28th, Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) held an Energy Workshop. Not surprisingly, the hot topic was the closure of the Martin Drake Power Plant.
Most of the citizens in attendance pushed for closure of the coal-fired power plant as soon as possible —no matter the cost or reliability of future energy sources. At SpringsTaxpayers, we renew our concern about the cost of future replacement energy —especially what the impact would be on the area’s most vulnerable residents.
Only two people stood up to caution the CSU leadership about alternative energy costs and reliability. Others in the audience did not receive those comments kindly. You can watch the full meeting here.
One attendee shared that he was originally from Houston, TX, enthusiastically talked about what has happened in nearby Georgetown, and praised that city’s renewable energy plans. You can view his 1-minute clip here.
He said that the politically conservative city of Georgetown made the transition to 100% renewable energy sources.
But wait, there’s more to the story he didn’t mention.
In August, after skyrocketing energy costs and a $7,000,000 shortfall, the plug was pulled on their failed experiment. It is far from an energy utopia.
Let’s not be like Georgetown, TX!
We urge CSU to use extreme caution in its attempts to close Martin Drake and replace it with other energy sources. Also, we encourage citizens to be informed, engaged, and vocal about this topic. We’ll continue to watch what’s happening and share what we learn.
One thought on “Don’t Be That City: Georgetown, TX was not a renewable energy utopia”
We already have a natural Gas electrical power plant that is used as a backup to the coal-fired plant. Why don’t we switch it and use the Gas powered plant as primary and see how it works out. Those that sign up for renewable energy, can buy it off the grid, and that is only a management issue and the rest of us don’t have to forego the cheaper energy.