Xcel Energy unveils project to cut gas use and emissions in targeted mountain communities

Kit Geary/ Summit Daily News
Earlier this month, Xcel Energy Colorado proposed the Mountain Energy Project — a first-of-its-kind initiative to reduce natural gas use and emissions while ensuring affordable energy for customers in Grand, Lake, Eagle, and Summit counties.
The estimated $155 million project — Xcel’s largest non-pipeline alternative portfolio to date — focuses on alternatives like energy efficiency, conservation and beneficial electrification programs, paired with modular liquid and compressed natural gas equipment, to back up projects during times of increased demand.
The project is said to reduce natural gas use and emissions for customers served by its Eastern Mountain Gas System, according to an Xcel news release. The company said it selected the lowest cost portfolio option among the ones evaluated for the project, which will allow the company to address customers’ natural gas needs while keeping their bills lower than the national average.
Xcel Energy Colorado President Roberty Kenney said the idea of the non-pipeline alternative is to avoid or defer investment in natural gas infrastructure instead of upgrading traditional natural gas pipeline systems.
Along with helping to meet the state of Colorado’s clean energy goals, the project supports Xcel Energy’s vision of delivering net-zero natural gas service by 2050.

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The Colorado Public Utilities Commission will review the proposal, with a decision expected by the end of 2025.