The rapidly changing energy environment is proving what I said in my prior opinion column, “Let’s avoid the potential negative impacts of withdrawing from Tri-State,” (Herald, Dec. 8). As before, I believe “declare victory” stay with Tri-State, is the most secure and the least cost energy option.
Since December, the energy world has rapidly changed for the worse for La Plata Electric Association. The plan to purchase low cost energy from private for profit companies using wind, solar and batteries is quickly disappearing. The large federal subsidies needed for renewables to be cheap are ending. China dominates the manufacture of low cost solar panels, wind turbines and large batteries and that is also changing with the tariff war full on for Chinese goods.
The result of these changes is that much higher costs for renewable energy than LPEA anticipated are the reality. It doesn’t matter what the reason is, we rate payers will be stuck with much higher rates and few options if LPEA proceeds to withdraw from Tri-State.
Once again, I emphasize that staying with Tri-State is much more secure, flexible and the least cost energy option because it has a portfolio of energy production options that are less subject to the price variability of renewable energy.
Also, the $2.5 billion in federal funding awarded Tri-State for its energy future has been released so they can get to work right now.
Steve Harris
Durango
