Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is calling for scrutiny of a recently filed “Integrated Resource Plan” from Rocky Mountain Power.
“The Resource Plan is significant because it proposes to close several coal-fired power units early, meaning a loss of employment in Wyoming,” Gordon’s office said in a Thursday, Dec. 19 press release.
Gordon says he will provided resources to the Wyoming Public Services Commission to “ensure a robust analysis.”
“Because the IRP filed by Rocky Mountain Power will significantly impact the state of Wyoming and her workers, it is critical that we have a full understanding of how the company reached its conclusions, and whether the analysis that was conducted was correct, thorough and unbiased,” Gordon said.
The plan was filed earlier this fall.
“Elements of the plan include the early closure of several coal-fired generating units in Wyoming, particularly Naughton, near Kemmerer, and Jim Bridger near Rock Springs,” the release says. “Rocky Mountain also plans to invest in more renewable energy, including wind farms, solar installations and batteries in Wyoming.”
Gordon will provide funding needed for the Public Services Commission to “issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking experienced individuals or entities to provide intensive expert analysis of the data and modeling assumptions used by Rocky Mountain Power,” his office says.
The Public Services Commission issued an order to initiate and investigation into the plan on Nov. 1. A public hearing will take place May 5-6 “where the Commission will hear more information concerning the IRP and the data supporting it.”
