The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is thinking about holding a public hearing in Pueblo to discuss Xcel Energy’s proposal to close two coal-fired power plants here and replace them with renewable energy sources. That’s an excellent idea.

Local residents should have an opportunity to be heard on this topic. Moreover, they should take advantage of that opportunity and provide meaningful input about how the power plant closures could affect this community.

At first blush, this might not seem like an issue that affects Puebloans too much. After all, Black Hills Energy provides electricity to residential and business customers in Pueblo and surrounding areas. Most of the power Xcel generates at the Comanche Power Station serves customers in the Denver metro area and elsewhere.

Read more at The Pueblo Chieftain.