Colorado's Gas Heating Dilemma: Why Xcel Needs to Change Its Ways

Colorado is in a bit of a pickle when it comes to heating homes and buildings. The state's biggest energy company, Xcel, is under fire for not doing enough to switch from gas to cleaner options like electric heat pumps and geothermal energy. Even though Xcel has promised to go carbon-free by 2050, it's still adding new gas customers and spending billions on maintaining and expanding its gas system. This is a big deal because every new gas hookup means more money spent on maintaining old pipelines. Xcel's latest plan could cost Coloradans billions in the next few years, with gas rates expected to rise by 60% between 2025 and 2040. This is happening at a time when Xcel is already making record profits. Local governments in Colorado are not happy about this. They've been working hard to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting new building codes and investing in cleaner energy solutions. From all-electric public buildings to geothermal retrofits, these communities are showing that clean heat is possible. However, Xcel's plans don't seem to align with these local efforts.The state has set targets for Xcel to reduce climate pollution from its gas system. But spending billions to expand the gas system goes against these goals. Instead of business as usual, Xcel should work with local governments to plan a transition away from gas. This could mean identifying areas where gas is no longer economical and focusing on all-electric development. Every day, the costs and consequences of relying on gas heating are becoming more apparent. Coloradans are paying for aging pipelines and volatile gas supplies, which drive up bills, worsen air quality, and contribute to climate change. It's time for Xcel to step up and align its investments with local plans and state clean heat targets. Local governments are already leading the way, and it's time for Xcel to follow suit.