The Tribune

DENVER (AP) — Colorado utility regulators have voted to support Xcel Energy’s plan to invest more in electric-powered transportation. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s decision last Wednesday voted to support the company’s proposal to spend $102 million over three years to build charging stations, help convert state-owned vehicles into electric cars and incentivise homeowners to install car-charging equipment.

The three members of the commission were split on Xcel Energy’s plan to offer rebates to residents who buy electric vehicles, the Denver Post reported. Two committee members eventually voted to allow a $5 million rebate programme for only low-income buyers and for vehicles with suggested prices of $50,000 or less.

“This is the dawn of a new era for clean, efficient transportation in Colorado,” said Travis Madsen, transportation program director at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, in an email. “There’s something for everyone to like in this decision. It will save Coloradans millions of dollars. At the same time, it will help clean up our air, protect our health, reduce climate change and greatly improve energy efficiency.”

The company had submitted its proposal after a 2019 law allowed utilities to invest in programmes that would create more electric vehicles. Gov. Jared Polis’ goal was to have almost 1 million electric vehicles on the state’s roads by 2030.