Building Decarbonization and Non-Pipeline Alternatives in Colorado's Mountains Communities
On behalf of the Mountain Community Coalition (MCC), Synapse’s team, led by expert witness Kenji Takahashi, reviewed Public Service Company of Colorado’s (PSCo) proposed Mountain Energy Project, a $155 million plan to address gas supply constraints in the Eastern Mountain System through a portfolio of demand-side, non-pipeline alternatives and supplemental gas facilities. Synapse found that PSCo overstated demand forecasts and supply shortfalls by relying on unrealistic design temperatures, overlooking local and state decarbonization policies, and ignoring heating system limitations. The analysis also showed that demand-side solutions such as electrification, efficiency improvements, and thermal energy networks were undervalued. Synapse’s findings indicate that a demand-led portfolio could eliminate shortfalls by 2033 while more closely aligning with climate goals. The testimony recommends revisions to load forecasts, supply shortfalls, and implementation planning to prioritize equitable, climate-consistent solutions.