Jack is Xcel’s point person talking to the PUC. This was a really interesting interview where Jack got into a lot of the key issues, answering diplomatically but also making some very good points.
The most interesting thing I think is throughout the discussion reliability is clearly their prime issue. On most items we discussed he started with or ended on reliability. And I think that’s good - reliability first then price & carbon emissions.
The second item that came up several times - Xcel is presently evaluating all the options. In particular for energy generation but also touched on for transmission. He acknowledged that they are going to have to reach a decision on which way to go, but at present they’re clearly evaluating.
As to how this all plays out for Xcel & the PUC, I do not want to state my opinion of what that is because it’s my read of what Jack said. But I think if you listen closely to what he says, and what he does not say, I think you’ll also get a read on this.
This relationship is everything for Xcel. They may have a great (or terrible) plan for the future. They need to get the PUC’s buyoff on that plan. I think that’s Jack’s world - working with the PUC to come up with a mutually agreed upon plan.
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