For Immediate Release:
Jenna Weatherred
VP, Member and Community Relations
970-947-5470
jweatherred@holycross.com
Holy Cross Energy temporarily suspends proposed electric rate changes
Glenwood Springs, CO, May 25, 2023 – At the request of the Colorado Energy Office on behalf of Governor Polis, local electric cooperative Holy Cross Energy (HCE) has agreed to temporarily suspend the proposed electric rate changes intended to take effect on September 1. The decision was taken by a vote of HCE’s Board of Directors at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board on May 24, in order to allow time for the Colorado Energy Office to convene a dialogue on the future of “net metering” policy in Colorado.
Under Colorado law, HCE members are credited at the energy rate for the electricity they export to the electric grid from a renewable generator, such as solar panels. HCE’s proposed rate changes included a separation of HCE’s current energy rate into two components: (1) a new delivery charge intended to recover the costs of operating the HCE electric grid; and (2) a reduced energy charge reflecting only the costs of the energy being delivered. Solar owners and installers have raised objections to HCE’s proposed rate changes based on the reduced energy charge they would receive for their exported energy.
The Board’s decision to temporarily suspend the proposed rate changes was announced at a public comment session on the afternoon of May 24, where approximately 135 members and stakeholders provided comments in person and virtually on the proposed changes. This public comment session concluded a two-and-one-half month public comment period in which over 300 written comments were received from HCE members and stakeholders.
“HCE remains committed to a responsible transition to a clean energy future that is equitable for all members of our cooperative,” said HCE’s President and CEO Bryan Hannegan. “We appreciate the time our members have taken to review these proposed rate changes and offer their comments.”
The temporary suspension of HCE’s proposed rates will be in place at least through January 1, 2024. To review HCE’s proposed rate changes or find out more about the May 24th public comment session, please visit http://www.holycross.com/rates
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About Holy Cross Energy
Founded in 1939, Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is a not-for-profit rural electric co-op providing safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy and services that improve the quality of life for more than 45,000 members in western Colorado. HCE was built by and belongs to the diverse communities and member-owners we serve. Membership is open to everyone in our service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, language, political perspective, or socioeconomic status. HCE is committed to leading the responsible transition to a clean energy future. Its 100×30 goal is to provide members with 100% clean energy by 2030 and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. For more information on HCE, please visit www.holycross.com.