Connecting Colorado's Renewable Resources to the Markets in a Carbon-constrained Electricity Sector

Book excerpt: The REDI Report, Connecting Colorado's Renewable Resources to the Markets in a Carbon-Constrained Electricity Sector, is an analysis of the issues facing Colorado's electric power sector as it strives to meet the goal of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2020 from a 2005 base. The REDI report addresses a variety of topics, including: Baseline information regarding Colorado's generation and transmission infrastructure, with an emphasis on large-scale renewable energy generation. A history of Colorado's electricity sector, including electric demand, planning, policy, and regulation. The roles that different combinations of supply-side resources, demand-side resources, and transmission can play to meet carbon dioxide reduction goals. A description of transmission economics, finance, regulatory, and market issues, particularly within a regional framework. Plans for expansion of Colorado's high-voltage transmission system. The local, state, and federal roles in permitting and siting large renewable energy projects and transmission. The opportunities stemming from new Federal funding and policy initiatives. Options for further examination to increase the connection of Colorado's utility-scale renewable resources to the grid.