I'm an electric utility designer who cut my teeth doing Xcel design work for a few local contractors. The utility was caught with their pants down by the pot legalization, badly. We were swamped by upgrades, and there was a point when Xcel said they're not replacing any more blown transformers if the growers didn't pay for them. Upgrade or sit in the dark.
But back then those upgrades were all charged to the commercial customer, the full cost. Interesting that at least a portion is being passed on the rate payers now. I wonder what, uh, incentives were given to the PUC and/or Xcel to change.
I can't help but wonder if Xcel's going to get swamped by renewables too. I.e. that they'll be unprepared.
Yeah, I thought the cost transfer via subsidies for efficiency was interesting too. Thin end of the wedge on our glorious renewables transition!
Oh, and I thought you might enjoy the Chesterton too. Given your name!
I'm an electric utility designer who cut my teeth doing Xcel design work for a few local contractors. The utility was caught with their pants down by the pot legalization, badly. We were swamped by upgrades, and there was a point when Xcel said they're not replacing any more blown transformers if the growers didn't pay for them. Upgrade or sit in the dark.
But back then those upgrades were all charged to the commercial customer, the full cost. Interesting that at least a portion is being passed on the rate payers now. I wonder what, uh, incentives were given to the PUC and/or Xcel to change.
Love the Chesterton bit! Localism is the way.