Energy Resource Zones

Colorado's General Assembly passed Senate Bill 07-100 upon recommendation of the 2006 Transmission Task Force on Transmission Reliability Infrastructure. In its Nov. 1, 2006 report, the task force recognized that "Colorado's ability to ensure continued affordable, reliable electricity and to build a vibrant economy depends on sufficient transmission capability" and "today the system is strained and, if current trends continue, there will not be adequate transmission to meet the needs."

The task force made a number of recommendations: develop the transmission infrastructure necessary to create a robust and reliable transmission system to meet Colorado's future energy needs; increase government involvement with organizations like the Colorado Coordinated Planning Group (CCPG) to focus on transmission activities throughout the state; and, identify renewable generation resource development areas throughout the state.

Senate Bill 100 requires electric utilities that are subject to rate regulation by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to file the biennial plan each year by October 31. The plan must consist of the following:

Designation of energy resource zones
Development plans for the construction or expansion of transmission infrastructure necessary to deliver power consistent with the timing of energy resources located in or near energy resource zones
Consider how transmission can be provided to encourage local ownership of renewable energy facilities
Submit proposed plans and applications for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for review.

Xcel Energy's 2007 Colorado Resource Plan

Energy Resource Zones

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