Looking To The Future: Ensuring Resource Adequacy

Reliable electricity isn’t just something you expect, but a necessity we all depend on to not only survive but grow and thrive as a community. Here at Poudre Valley REA, we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure we continually provide you a 24/7/365 supply of electricity.

From California to Texas, we have all seen headlines and heartbreaking consequences of the failures of America’s electric grid. Each story and person impacted reinforces just how crucial a reliable supply of electricity is.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, otherwise known as NERC, recently reported in their 2022-2023 Winter Reliability Assessment that much of the United States is at risk of “insufficient electricity supplies” during peak winter conditions. There is some good news for our region. The report shows we are strongly positioned to weather any extreme peak demand scenarios and here at Poudre Valley REA we do not foresee any impacts to our reliability this winter.

But we know the decisions being made today will determine whether or not there are sufficient resources to keep the lights on as we look 5 to 10 years down the road. Any failures to properly plan for and anticipate the possible shortcomings of the electric grid threaten to derail the energy transition, leaving our members in the dark. And that is simply unacceptable.

As Poudre Valley REA continues progressing towards our goal of 80 percent carbon free energy by 2030, we are committed to being part of the solution to address the reliability challenges spreading across our nation. This includes supporting the acceleration of energy innovation and pressing for meaningful legislative action to ensure resource adequacy.

The term “resource adequacy” refers to making sure there is enough electricity to meet the needs of consumers at all times and under any conditions. We have been working with our fellow electric cooperatives and other utilities to help draft resource adequacy legislation to ensure all utility providers in Colorado are held accountable for their ability to deliver reliable electricity.

You have the opportunity to join us in safeguarding the dependability of our electric grid while we work through a national energy transition. We will be activating our Cooperative Voices group in the coming months to give you the opportunity to make your voice heard on this vital resource adequacy legislation. If you have not already done so, I ask you to please sign up for Cooperative Voices by visiting our Cooperative Voices page or texting GOCOOP to 52886.

As a member-owned cooperative we have a duty to deliver you reliable and affordable electricity and we will not sit idly by if our ability to do so is threatened. Your cooperative remains steadfast in our mission and will continue to advocate for you, our members, and the reliable, affordable energy you deserve and expect.