(Editor’s Note: The dialogue and issues being debated in the San Luis Valley described in this Op-Ed by Ceal Smith will likely be repeated in other areas of the state as more PV sources are developed. Go “big and wide”, or smaller and local. That is the critical issue for many.)

Residents support solar, but are wary of centralized, large-scale photovoltaic arrays in the rural valley; Small-scale solar projects near existing sub-stations make more sense, conservation groups say.

By Ceal Smith

When Tri-State became the energy provider for the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Coop over a decade ago, part of the contractual agreement was to begin redundant transmission line development to improve energy security for the San Luis Valley. Tri-State was solo in this endeavor, initially exploring a 230 kV line.  Xcel Energy/Public Service Company later realized that constructing centralized solar thermal generation complexes to export solar electricity out of the San Luis Valley was one way of meeting the new Colorado’s renewable energy standard requirements.

To accommodate this goal, Xcel joined the transmission project in 2008, increasing the size to a double-circuit 230 kV line. Recently, PUC staff recommended yet another increase to a 345 kV double-circuit line.  In capacity, this allows more than 1700 MW solar energy export, almost 10 times our 165 MW peak energy use during the summer irrigation season. These present transmission line proposals will, in effect, obligate multiple industrial scale solar sites miles wide, and forever change the agro-pastoral landscape of the San Luis Valley. “Benefits” are suspect if compared to viable alternatives.

Changes in energy technology are occurring rapidly. Most energy experts now agree that there are superior choices than vast transmission projects and centralized generation.  Phased-in local, point-of-use renewable energy generation, is faster, more reliable, provides many more jobs and better environmental protection. Small-scale solar projects near existing sub-stations in tandem with incentives and reliable rate structures for individual and business photovoltaic installations would stimulate San Luis Valley and state energy production, employment and conservation, while easily meeting local peak demands. The sun shines everywhere in Colorado!

Many collaborative working groups have diligently sorted fact from corporate marketing strategy, the emotional from the practical and the dreams from the realities.We now possess excellent information, crucial mapping and solid ideas to share that address the multitude of options that seriously consider protection of our lifestyle, landscape and natural resources, without compromising either our local or Colorado’s energy future or economy.

Trinchera Ranch and La Veta/Walsenburg citizens are not alone in responding to the Public Utility Commission and the Rural Utility Service formal public comment hearings. It’s critical we all participate and articulate concerns regarding the proposed transmission line increase and the possibility of industrial scale solar impacts. Many in the San Luis Valley have officially responded and continue to pay attention and take action.

For information and to get involved, access the Solar Working Group and San Luis Valley Renewable Communities Alliance posts salient articles regularly  at www.slvjunction.com in the solar/transmission section of “Community”.  Additional info is available at the San Luis Valley Renewable Communities Blog.

More related sites:

San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council

San Luis Valley Water Protection Coalition

Trinchera Ranch Smart Valley Energy