A bill headed to the desk of Colorado Gov. Jared Polis aims to help the state’s electric grid prepare for rising power demand. The legislation would require Xcel Energy, the largest electric utility in Colorado, to make upgrades to the distribution system, which is being taxed as part of the effort to meet goals to deploy more low-carbon energy sources, electrify vehicles, and transition homes and businesses away from fossil fuel energy. Without new transformers, substations or wires, some homeowners have been prevented from installing solar panels and energy storage batteries. Some housing developers have been asked to pay for the system upgrades themselves, which can halt projects tied to clean energy in some neighborhoods.
Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating
