A Colorado based coal industry group, the Colorado Mining Association, has asked two public utilities commissioner to excuse themselves from considering a plan by Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL). The plan involves the company switching some power plants to run on natural gas rather than on coal.
The Colorado Mining Association filed in with the three member commission that must approve of, deny or modify the plan by Dec 15, 2010. The Public Utilities Commission is considering the Xcel Energy plan aimed at satisfying a new state law which needs it to meet federal clean air standards.
The Public Utilities Commission Chairman Ronald Binz and the Commissioner Matt Baker were both involved in negotiations with Xcel Energy on the new law. This was the reason why the Colorado Mining Association felt that the two members would not be considered impartial as they review the plan given by Xcel Energy.
No comments were passed by the two commissioners before review of the Colorado Mining Association's request takes place.
Xcel Energy, Inc. is a public utility company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving customers in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Primary services are electricity and natural gas.