TASK FORCE ON RELIABLE ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE

September 5, 2006

COLORADO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
HEARING ROOM A, OL2
DENVER, CO
1:00 pm

1. Welcome and introduction of new task force members (1:00-1:05pm)

• Chairman Doug Dean, Director of Colorado PUC
  The budget of the Task Force was reviewed and adopted. The budget indicates that moneys will be available for reimbursement of the travel expenses of Task Force members from out of town. The paperwork process was explained.

  Task Force Proposed Budget - DOC

  Mr. Jerry Bellah and Mr. John Stulp were welcomed as new Task Force Members. [Mr. Stulp was represented by Mr.Chris Rundell]

  Current Task Force members

• Vice Chairman Ray Clifton, Executive Director Colorado Rural Electric Association
  Mr. Clifton introduced Mr. Dick Welle, Manager of White River Electric Association, who will be serving as Mr. Clifton's alternate at the Oct. 5th Task Force Meeting.
  

2. Review of Task Force Time Line and responsibilities - Task Force (1:05 - 1:30pm)

The members discussed the magnitude of work assigned to the Task Force and the process to accomplish the tasks in a very limited amount of time. Ultimately, by Nov. 1st the Task Force must deliver a report of its work and may make recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. The Task Force decided to have a working document prepared from each Meeting capturing all Recommendations that were proposed. This would allow the members to begin to consider possibilities and refine the proposals.

Current Time Line - DOC

3. Public Comment (1:30 - 1:45pm)

No member of the public present offered comments.
The public is reminded that Comments can be sent to the Task Force at any time via email at taskforce@dora.state.co.us

4. The current and projected demand for electricity in Colorado through the year 2020. (1:45 - 2:10pm)

Presentation by Bruce Smith, Executive Director, Colorado Energy Forum,
Dr. Gary Schmitz, and Tim Corrigan, R.W. Beck

Bruce Smith bio - DOC

CEF Report - Colorado Electricity Future - PPT
www.coloradoenergyforum.org/Report.pdf

Colorado Power Market Study: A joint study by R.W. Beck, Inc., Schmitz Consulting, and the Colorado School of Mines providing a comprehensive and aggregate look at future electricity needs in Colorado.

Colorado’s Electricity Future Colorado’s Electricity Future -
A Detailed Look at the State’s Electricity Needs and Electricity’s Economic Impacts - www.coloradoenergyforum.org/CEF_ExecutiveSum_Final_PRINT.pdf

 

5. Questions & Discussion - Task Force (2:10 - 2:30pm)

Mr. Geile raised for discussion three concerns: 1) confidentiality shields; 2) reserve margins; and 3) cost recovery.

Mr. Mamet stated his desire for the Task Force to have more discussion relative to the issue of energy conservation and energy efficiency, the effect that conservation and efficiency have on demand forecasts, and their impact on transmission planning.

In response, Mr. Lehr offered a report entitled "A Balanced Energy Plan for the Interior West" produced by the Western Resource Advocates.

A Balanced Energy Plan of the Interior West - PDF

Mr. Lehr proposed that the Task Force recommend that a report like the one just made by CEF be prepared and submitted to the PUC every two years. Discussion followed.

Mr. Lehr next proposed that the Task Force recommend that the Arizona Transmission planning model be adopted. See, www.cc.state.az.us/utility/electric/linesiting-faqs.htm
Discussion followed.

Mr. Edelstein asked for clarification on the issue of accountability when the lights go out. Discussion followed.

Mr. Geile observed that from a local jurisdictional perspective, what was needed was better (earlier) communications between Utilities and local permitting entities. Utility plans needed to be shared earlier so that projects don't just spring up.

Mr. Bellah raised the issue of a human resource crisis in the electric utility industry. As the baby boomers retire there needs to be succession planning conducted and the training of replacement engineers and linemen. While he did not have a specific suggestion at this point, the issue is important to consider because of its potential impact on Utility operations and construction.

Mr. Smith of CEF summarized his presentation by emphasizing that the forecasted demand and consequential transmission needs are very big numbers. Each utility needs to energize its individual internal processes and begin to address the issues and make timely decisions. The CEF board will meet in the near future and decide what is next for CEF.

6. Additions or improvements to the state's electric transmission system that will be required to meet the projected demand. (2:45 - 3:35pm)

The NERC Reliability Standards (TBL-001 - TBL-006) used by Colorado Utilities in planning electric transmission additions is summarized in the following Table - DOC

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Panel Presentation:

a. Gerald Stellern, Xcel Energy
G M Stellern bio - DOC
PSCo Planned Transmission Improvements2006-2011 - PPT

b. Kenneth Anderson, Tri-State Generation & Transmission
Tri-State Reliability Task Force Presentation - PPT

c. Bob Easton, Western Area Power Administration
Bob Easton bio - DOC
Western Area Power Administration Presentation - PPT

d. Chuck Sisk, Colorado Springs Utilities
Chuck Sisk bio - DOC
Colorado Springs Utilities - Electric Transmission - PPT

e. John Collins, Platte River Power Authority
John Collins bio - DOC
Platte River Power Authority Planning Reliable Power Through 2016 - PPT

f. Alan Myers, Aquila Networks
Aquila Plans Presentation - PPT

 

7. Public Comment (3:35 - 3:50pm)

No member of the public present offered comments.

8. Questions & Discussion - Task Force (3:50 - 4:30pm)

Members discussed topics for future meeting agendas. Future draft agendas will be developed and adjusted as appropriate. Future meetings will continue to drive toward more focused recommendations and discussions.

A list of issues and topics related to existing and anticipated future impediments to improving transmission will be created and circulated among the Task Force members. This will assist in developing the agenda for the Task Force Meeting of the morning of Oct. 5th.

9. Adjourn (4:30pm)

Task Force Proposed Recommendations - DOC