Timing is everything

A couple years ago, and maybe a couple years in down the line, Xcel Colorado's request for $188.6 million in rate increases to fund a cleaner natural gas system wouldn't raise many eyebrows. But the year is 2022 and household electricity bills are on everyone's mind. Hence the vicious backlash Xcel is facing now. 

Here's an excerpt from a CPR article covering the latest hearing on the issue:

"During nearly two hours of testimony, Xcel Energy customers and environmental advocates blasted the company for promising to combat climate change while investing in new fossil fuel pipelines. Many commenters noted natural gas is mostly methane, a greenhouse gas that’s 84 times better at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. "

'"We are past the point where we can ignore the dire effects of climate change in Colorado and the Mountain West," said Denver resident Phillip Beck. "Xcel simply should not be continuing to invest large sums into natural gas."'

Nobody knows how the commissioners will ultimately rule, their announcement expected to come in 3-4 months. However, I think it's safe to say that the utility wouldn't be in the situation they are now if power prices weren't through the roof.