Reps. Crank and Evans Join Secretary Wright for Tour of the Ray D. Nixon Power Plant

FOUNTAIN, C.O. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) and Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08) joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright for a tour of the Ray D. Nixon Power Plant operated by Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities).

The Ray D. Nixon Power Plant is primarily fueled by coal and can generate more than 260 megawatts of electricity. Coal-fired power plants represent roughly a third of Colorado's energy grid, but unrealistic energy mandates coming out of Denver risk energy reliability and increased energy rates for consumers.

Springs Utilities has been successful in negotiating with the State of Colorado to push back the 2029 closure deadline to 2032, saving customers $200 million in projected rate increases, but reliable energy production is still at risk in the future.

"Coal is a reliable, baseload domestic energy resource to help power our grid here in Colorado," said Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05). "Colorado's burdensome energy mandates continue to cost our region, not only with higher utility bills but they also threaten our national security assets. Coloradans deserve reliable energy, and I'd like to thank Secretary Wright for his efforts to keep reliable coal generation online and coming to Colorado's Fifth Congressional District to show support for the Ray D. Nixon Power Plant."

"Coal has powered American prosperity for generations and continues to provide the reliable, around-the-clock electricity our grid needs," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "The Trump Administration is committed to adding reliable power to the grid, not prematurely shutting down generation that is already keeping the lights on. Ray Nixon is a great example of the critical baseload power Colorado needs to meet growing electricity demand while keeping energy affordable and secure."

"Denver Democrats spent years attacking reliable coal generation, only to run headfirst into reality: you cannot shut down dependable baseload power without something ready to replace it," said Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08). "Keeping Ray Nixon online longer will protect grid reliability and save ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. With electricity demand skyrocketing, Colorado needs more safe, affordable, reliable energy-not political mandates that take power off the grid and leave families paying the price. I'm grateful to Secretary Wright and Congressman Crank for fighting for an all-of-the-above strategy that puts reliability, affordability, and American energy dominance first."

"We appreciate Secretary Wright's commitment to policies that support reliable and affordable energy for our customers, including the military installations we serve that play a vital role in our nation's defense," said Travas Deal, CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities. "We also thank Representatives Crank and Evans for their continued leadership in Congress. Their support helps ensure we can continue delivering the reliable energy our community depends on today while planning responsibly for the future."

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