September 20, 2017
Public Utilities Commission
1560 Broadway, Suite 250
Denver, CO 80202

RE: Xcel Energy’s Colorado Energy Plan (proceeding 16A-0396E)

Dear Commissioners:
The City of Arvada stands in strong support of Xcel Energy’s plans to grow the state’s portfolio
of wind power, solar power, natural gas and other clean energy sources with its Colorado Energy
Plan. With this proposal, Xcel Energy is responding to its customers’ wants and needs for
increasingly clean energy at an affordable price.

The Colorado Energy Plan was reviewed by City staff and the Arvada Sustainability Advisory
Committee prior to an informal review by the Arvada City Council. The result of this process
advised the City Council to support the Plan and to formally express that support to the PUC.
This support is based on Xcel Energy’s mix of renewable energy which will increase through
implementation of the Colorado Energy Plan. This commitment is consistent with Arvada’s own
focus on renewable energy resources and associated Strategic Results stated in the City Council’s
Strategic Plan.

If the portfolio Xcel Energy envisions can be approved and built, the resulting energy mix for its
Colorado customers will be approximately half renewable, one-quarter gas, and one-quarter coalfired
generation by 2026. Xcel Energy has set an ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions by
60 percent by 2030; and with the Colorado Energy Plan the utility is taking another important
step to uphold that commitment.

From an economic development standpoint, more businesses are seeking to locate and expand in
areas that offer electricity that is generated by renewables. Our residents are expressing their
support for renewable energy resources as well, especially solar energy. We believe that the
Colorado Energy Plan will support our City’s efforts to attract, retain and expand our economic
base and provide renewable energy options for our residents.

Finally, this plan would also meet both the spirit and the letter of Governor Hickenlooper’s
Executive Order Supporting Colorado’s Energy Transition by reducing carbon dioxide emissions
from the energy sector and increasing the use of renewable power. Xcel Energy’s estimates show
the Colorado Energy Plan will achieve a 45 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from
2012 levels by 2030.

Please strongly consider and support Xcel Energy’s Colorado Energy Plan to drive significant investment in renewable energy and early retirement of coal-fired generation units to enable the realities of a clean energy future for our state.

Sincerely,
Marc Williams, Mayor
Cc: City Council