PowerGab
An Independence Institute production focusing on the unique energy challenges facing Colorado.
Intermittent Power Problems
Data centers may be controversial, but they have uncovered a glaring issue. When renewables aren't consistently delivering power, what can we turn to instead? PowerGab Host Amy Cooke discusses this topic with Isaac Orr from Always On Energy Research.
Show Notes:
US Gas Buildout Explorer: https://ebbcoder.github.io/U.S.-Gas-Buildout-Explorer/ https://energybadboys.substack.com/p/the-gray-new-deal https://x.com/TheFrackingGuy/status/2097506685250060575https://www.facebook.com/TheRightAOC/posts/pfbid034EUN2tyKeouVZ5sV5bafPbQkSbz13swdZqe9c8DjDU1RQYR7BKUBzJb3Vj23dmywl?notif_id=1788963332532540¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notifFight for Your Right to Natural Gas
It's not illegal. It's naturally occurring. But it might become illegal unless you fight for it. PowerGab Host Amy Cooke has a discussion with The Denver Post Columnist Krista Kafer about Colorado's upcoming ballot measure for the right to natural gas.
Show Notes:
https://www.denverpost.com/2026/08/18/natural-gas-ballot-measure-colorado-vote/https://kristakafer.substack.com/p/natural-gas-is-cheaper-and-more-efficient?r=1lqyva&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=truehttps://www.legalnewsline.com/newsletter/denver-judge-affirms-city-s-ban-on-gas-appliances/article_767f2759-63e9-4446-92fc-2f131c8da4c0.htmlhttps://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cod.235401/gov.uscourts.cod.235401.70.0.pdfhttps://leg.colorado.gov/initiative...Where is Colorado's Water?
Colorado's water seems to be missing. Where did it go? PowerGab Host Amy Cooke discusses this topic with the president of the Natural Resources Group, Greg Welcher.
Show Notes:
https://gregwalcher.com/about-the-author/https://i2i.org/where-life-is-written-in-water/Net Zero = High Gas Prices
Gas prices have been up, yet oil barrel prices aren't. What's going on in the energy market to cause this? PowerGab Host Amy Cooke discusses this with special guest Stu Turley of the Energy News Beat Podcast.
Show Notes:
Substack: https://substack.com/@theenergynewsbeatOil is low but gas prices are high: https://energynewsbeat.com/crude-oil-news/doomberg-and-the-new-oil-and-gas-markets-post-hormuz/Stu Turley why Net Zero is failing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hbUffAUj3EStu Turley on Twitter: https://x.com/STUARTTURLEY16Governor Weatherman
A recent interview with Colorado's Governor raises some questions about a power problem in southwest Colorado. PowerGab Host Amy Cooke brings on guest Sarah Montalbano to discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://liberalandlovingit.substack.com/p/interview-with-governor-jared-polishttps://www.bluestateshighrates.com/https://i2i.org/southwest-power-pool-narrowly-avoids-blackouts/https://i2i.org/colorados-renewable-milestone-revisited/Is it an Energy Transition?
The rise of renewables has everyone talking about the energy transition that is occurring. But are coal, natural gas, and petroleum as energy sources on the decline? PowerGab Host Amy Cooke discusses this with special guest Doug Sandridge.
Show Notes:
https://douglascsandridge.substack.com/p/the-energy-transition-that-isntRetired Power Plant Saves the Day
A recent heat wave caused a perfect storm for a Colorado community to lose power. However, an unlikely hero saved the day and kept power going. PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Retired Power Plant Saved the Day
A recent heat wave caused a perfect storm for a Colorado community to lose power. However, an unlikely hero saved the day and kept power going. PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/21/coal-fired-power-plants-colorado-cost-emergency-order/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-951sPssuCPQR2wEVFuLSULjzUavx9GX_17rRsG3HvBlkT1QHndV_jaQNBf8KQwblgXkKXZr71TR7V7abxu_Qai1VArHg&_hsmi=429583114&utm_content=429583114&utm_source=hs_emailhttps://energybadboys.substack.com/p/misos-exciting-afternoonhttps://i2i.org/southwest-power-pool-narrowly-avoids-blackouts/Natural Gas Premium $1K/YR
The Clean Heat Plan is going to cost Colorado ratepayers a premium in order for Xcel Energy to hit its targets. How much and for how long? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://i2i.org/xcel-energy-to-whiff-its-clean-heat-plan-emissions-reductions-targets/https://www.youtube.com/live/WhrEcFGGw2E?si=jMhCe5ejIkpRsdxhAre Renewables Colorado's Majority?
Renewable energy sources are now a large part of Colorado's power supply. Are they the majority? A recent report seems to think so. PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://www.cpr.org/2026/07/08/qts-aurora-data-center-diesel-generators/https://bigpivots.com/colorados-milestone-of-53-renewables/https://i2i.org/colorados-renewables-milestone-looks-more-like-subtracting-coal-than-adding-wind-and-solar/Bad Policy Consequences
Recent data shows an alarming rise in the amount of subsidies for Xcel Energy customers. What caused this and is there more to come? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/07/xcel-utility-rates-increase-low-income-bill-support-plan/
https://www.axios.com/2026/07/02/colorado-polis-ai-data-centers-energy-mix
Public Utilities Circus
Colorado is once again facing power shortages. Why is this a continually recurring event? What is the reasoning behind it? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F0j4YBgLI4 (06:48 - 06:49)
https://i2i.org/wp-content/uploads/SPGlobal_Export_6-10-2026_3f4b169a-32d9-4c97-b4a6-7c02c172b1df.pdf
https://i2i.org/xcel-energy-wants-to-raise-rates-but-it-cant-even-deliver-reliable-electricity/
Are Taxpayers Funding Boulder's Lawsuit?
Colorado's Attorney General has expressed skepticism of Suncor and Boulder's lawsuit against them. But is a recent comment during a public debate hinting that Colorado has been involved and taxpayers are footing the bill? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://completecolorado.com/2026/06/16/boulder-da-hints-weiser-involvement-climate-lawsuit/
Constitutional Natural Gas
A citizen's initiative to give Coloradans the constitutional right to choose natural gas gains momentum with voters. Will the right to choose natural gas become protected in Colorado? PowerGab hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this with the president of Advance Colorado, Michael Fields.
Show Notes:
https://leg.colorado.gov/initiative_files/1343/download
https://www.advancecolorado.org/institute/natural-gas-clean-affordable-reliable-energy-for-colorado/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/12/colorado-democrats-abandon-effort-to-blunt-natural-gas-ballot-initiative/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/01/right-to-natural-gas-colorado-ballot-measure-environmentalists/
Regulatory Taking
Natural Gas is under pressure from lawmakers as a means of heating your home. What are the lawsuits and do they stand a chance of succeeding? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://i2i.org/wp-content/uploads/SPGlobal_Export_5-29-2026_bd40a810-03b1-41b5-b927-774349149aec.pdf
https://onbaseep22.mesacounty.us/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/DownloadFileBytes/AGNC%20Amicus%20Curiae%20Suncor%20v%20Boulder%20County.pdf?documentType=1&meetingId=1918&itemId=66274&publishId=40253&isSection=False&isAttachment=True
Biggest Rate Hike Ever
The P.U.C. considers Xcel Energy's biggest ever rate hike request. Are Colorado rate payers stuck with this? What is causing it? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/04/xcel-energy-electric-rate-increase-colorado/
Climate Lawsuit Strategy
Another lawsuit from climate activists against big oil seems all too familiar. What is the endgame? Do these lawsuits warrant their effort and cost? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss another reason climate lawfare happens with the executive director of the Prime Mover Institute Russ Greene.
Show Notes:
https://manhattan.institute/article/amicus-brief-suncor-energy-v-county-commissioners-of-boulder-county-2
https://ijr.com/exclusive-colorado-faces-new-challenge-in-bid-to-set-climate-policy-for-entire-country/
Data Centers Avoid Colorado
Colorado companies are deciding not to build data centers in Colorado. Is the reason because of energy rates, public sentiment, or something else? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this topic with Sarah Montalbano, Energy Analyst at Always On Energy Research.
Show Notes:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/709772/americans-oppose-data-centers-area.aspx
https://www.denvergazette.com/2026/05/19/denver-halts-new-data-centers-for-12-months/
A Right to Natural Gas?
Colorado's legislative session has just ended. State lawmakers try to kneecap a law that allows Coloradans a right to natural gas. Does it work? What does having natural gas afford citizens? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-002
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1326
https://i2i.org/colorados-puc-sunset-bill-lost-its-worst-provisions/
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-182
https://leg.colorado.gov/initiatives/right-to-natural-gas-177
https://sarahmontalbano.substack.com/p/colorado-springs-utilities-coal-plant
Win...
Colorado Can't Hit Energy Goals
Colorado Governor Jared Polis recently discussed the future of Colorado and its energy targets. However, there doesn't seem to be a path forward without extra resources. Where would this additional funding come from? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
HB26-1326 Sunset Review
SB26-182 CSU keep Ray Nixon open until 2032
SB26-002 Energy Affordability
SB 102 – Data Center and large load
HB 26 1030 – Data center and Utility Modernization
Jared Polis on Politico Energy Podcast
Pew Research: Americans blam...
Power You've Already Paid For
Does updating the legislation on the retirement of another Colorado power plant save or cost the ratepayers money? We think you already know the answer. PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
Colorado Springs Utility compromise bill
Colorado green NGOs continue to oppose nuclear energy despite bipartisan support.
HB26-1337: Bill to facilitate nuclear development
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator.
No, this is...
Numbers Don't Lie
Public support for nuclear increases as renewables falls. And, the real cost of servicing a Colorado Coal plant is compared against the cost of replacing it with renewables. How do they stack up? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss these topics and more.
Show Notes:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/708620/less-support-solar-wind-energy-nuclear.aspx
https://www.cpr.org/2026/04/17/xcel-reveals-full-cost-comanche-3/
https://i2i.org/puc-steamrolls-elbert-county-power-pathway/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/23/xcel-fossil-fuels-summer-power-gap/
https://i2i.org/testimony-on-sunset-review-puc/
https://i2i.org/puc-sunset-review-the-turducken-act-of-2019-with-a-slice-of-puc-in-pie/
Win a Predator Generator<...
Right to Healthy Environment?
There's a new amendment floating around that would change the Colorado constitution for one's right to a healthy environment. But what impact would this have on the state and would it ultimately help or hurt? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
Proposed Right to a Healthy Environment Amendment
Southwest Power Pool
SPP issues Resource Advisory
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator.
No, th...
Colorado's New Power Recipe
Colorado's Electric Utilities join a new RTO. What are the sources of power coming from, and what will that mean for the state and ratepayers? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://i2i.org/colorado-joins-the-southwest-power-pool-now-what/
https://x.com/SimonMahan/status/2039723579294527581/photo/1
https://conservationco.org/press-release/release-conservation-colorado-holds-polluters-accountable-new-ballot-measures-would-make-fossil-fuel-polluters-pay-for-the-damage-they-cause/
https://leg.colorado.gov/initiative_files/1343/download
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator.
No...
Colorado is Now Pro Nuclear?!
The US Department of Energy is looking for states interested in nuclear energy... what are the chances that Colorado is one of them? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this with Matt Solomon, the project manager of the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative.
Show Notes:
https://agnc.org/economic-development/northwest-colorado-energy-initiative/
https://mcusercontent.com/feacc8089631e065333583ec4/files/62da2642-3e62-26ff-d5e1-7ed7f1a319e4/Colorado_Response_to_DOE_Nuclear_RFI_Final.01.pdf?mc_cid=94538657b2&mc_eid=d14195562b
Win a Predator Generator
Because...
You're Not in the Club
The Public Utilities Commission, Xcel Energy, Advocacy Groups, etc. all have different interests they try to protect. But are the people that always get's the wrong side of the deal the ratepayers? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this topic and more.
Show Notes:
https://energybadboys.substack.com/p/xcel-energys-green-advocacy-backfires
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator.
No, this is not a drill.
Yes, it’s because reliability apparently isn’t fash...
Is Colorado Anti Data Center?
Is Colorado against having data centers? A bill in the legislature might decide if Colorado will be a prospect for data centers, or if they will avoid the state all together. PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-102
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1337
Comanche Report
https://i2i.org/wp-content/uploads/25V-0480E-Step-1-Comanche-Report.pdf
Investor presentation: https://s202.q4cdn.com/586283047/files/doc_presentations/2026/03/02/XEL-Investor-Presentation-March-2026.pdf
Win a Predator...
Colorado's Energy Recession
Colorado produced less energy in 2025 than in 2024. In economic terms, it's in a recession. What is the cause of this, what does it mean for the state, and is there a way to turn things around? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://i2i.org/fast-facts-about-colorados-electricity-sector-in-2025/
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1326
https://i2i.org/wp-content/uploads/25V-0480E-Step-1-Comanche-Report.pdf
https://i2i.org/the-big-shortfall-colorados-upcoming-power-plant-closures-and-planned-replacements/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/10/coal-power-xcel-hayden-pueblo/
Win a Predator Generator
<...What is Rising Prices in Colorado?
Colorado's utility bills have risen, but why did that happen and is there an end in sight? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke dive into the reason for the increases and discuss if there's a way to fix them.
Show Notes:
https://pikespeakbulletin.org/news/utilities-ceo-says-gloves-will-come-off-if-senate-bill-doesnt-delay-closing-nixon-coal-plant/
Also, we have Sarah’s post about the CO Sun opinion column:
https://i2i.org/colorado-suns-nonpartisan-case-against-natural-gas-is-misleading/
https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/24/opinion-colorado-natural-gas-prices-ssoaring-leave-fossil-fuels/
https://bigpivots.com/groups-say-puc-needs-to-rein-in-xcel/
https://energybadboys.substack.com/p/necessarily-skyrocket
https://energybadboys.substack.com/p/gr...
Coal Costs Will Rise
Coal power plants are already one of the most reliable and inexpensively run energy options, and Colorado utilizes them for base load power. However, new legislation threatens to raise the costs on coal fired power plants. PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://i2i.org/us-supreme-court-to-review-boulder-climate-lawsuit-case/
https://bouldercolorado.gov/boulder-measures/community-greenhouse-gas-emissions
https://thehill.com/newsletters/energy-environment/5751603-scotus-to-consider-tossing-climate-suit/
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1268
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1226
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26...
Colorado's Largest Company is Leaving
Colorado's Largest company is leaving the state. Why did they leave and what ramifications will it have on the state? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
Palantir
https://www.9news.com/article/money/business/palantir-relocates-headquarters-denver-florida/73-177d0830-b270-4861-8d87-4e3e7f7e5046
Chris Wright
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2026-02-17/nuclear-reactor-first-of-its-kind-airlift-20775380.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/us-energy-iea-climate-net-zero-peak-oil-trump.html
Clean Heat Plan
https://i2i.org/colorados-energy-future-the-high-cost-of-100-percent-electric-home-heating/
...
Endangerment Finding Revoked
The Trump Administration repeals the EPA's Endangerment Finding. What does this mean and how will it affect Colorado? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
-https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4456056/trump-repeals-climate-landmark-rule-axing-emissions-rules-vehicles/
-https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-102
-https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1129
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator.
No, this is not a drill.
Yes, it’s because reli...
P.U.C. Subsidy Gamble
Colorado's Public Utilities Commission has given Xcel Energy approval for renewable energy projects in order to try and get federal subsidies. How will this play out and is it a good decision? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/24/new-coal-gas-power-plants-higher-energy-bills-trump-colorado/
https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/24/new-coal-gas-power-plants-higher-energy-bills-trump-colorado/
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator.
No, this is not a drill.
Yes, it’s because reli...
What Kept You Warm During the Storm?
Winter Storm Fern wreaked havoc with cold temperatures across the United States. What energy resource was responsible for keeping homes warm? And will there be upcoming policies that help or hurt that? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
Utility Dive: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/us-coal-generation-jumped-31-winter-storm-fern-eia/810838/
Euphemistically named “Colorado Clean Affordable Electricity: 2026 Outline." https://www.aoenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Clean-Affordable-Electricity-outline.docx
https://www.nerc.com/newsroom/resource-adequacy-risks-intensify-across-north-america-as-demand-growth-surges
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
...Happy New Year. Your Bills Are Going Up.
Xcel Energy proposes rate hikes, but is it Xcel's choice or is it because of the Colorado Legislature? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more with special guest Sarah Montalbano from Always On Energy Research.
Show Notes:
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-022
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1030
Rumored bill: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/23/colorado-data-center-bills-incentives-regulations/
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup plan.
Yes, we’re giving away a Predator Generator.
No, this is...
Will Craig, CO Survive?
The Trump administration gave a stay of executive for a coal power plant in Craig, CO. What does that mean for this rural town and what will happen if it's forced to shut down? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke interview former power plant employee John Kinkaid to find out more.
Show Notes:
https://www.energy.gov/documents/federal-power-act-section-202c-craig-order-no-202-25-14
https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/14/tri-state-craig-station-trump-federal-power-act-greenhouse-gas-emissions
https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/grid-strategies_craig-unit-1-report.pdf
Win a Predator Generator
Because the grid could use a backup...
Why Did Xcel Shut Off Your Power?
Xcel recently shut off power for thousands of customers. Why did they do this and how could it have been avoided? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
Shutdown
Wildfire matters review committee bill that wasn’t approved.
https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/bill_5_26-0104.02.pdf
It prohibits punitive damages if certain conditions are met.
Wildfire Matters Review Committee letter https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/signed_wildfire_letter_8-26_0.pdf
https://ww...
D.E.I. Utilities
The Public Utilities Commission has a new proposed rule that would have them focusing less on energy and more on social justice. What changes would that bring? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
Independence Institute Comments
https://www.aoenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/I2I-PUC-comments-Dec-2025.pdf
PUC DEI Rulemaking
https://www.aoenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/C25-0792A_25R-0468ALL-1-1.pdf
https://www.aoenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/C25-0792_25R-0468ALL-1-1.pdf
How to...
Unaffordable Double Down
Democratic lawmakers are pulling back on their aggressive renewables legislation after seeing the cost and feasibility. However, Colorado seems to be going in a different direction. PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
NYT Matt Yglesias op-ed “Liberals should support America’s oil and gas industry.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/opinion/democrats-liberals-oil-gas-industry.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9k8.4iZ5.sUEK-sxdmZRe&smid=url-share
If Dem energy and climate policies are so cheap, why are they retreating from them?
https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/5649880-energy-affordability-midterm-focus/
Blue...
Data Centers in Colorado?
Data center panic is back in Colorado. Can Colorado make the power needs of data centers attractive enough to actually commit to moving and staying here? Is there a simple solution? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.
Show Notes:
https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/10/data-center-power-demands-colorado-xcel-tri-state/
https://www.advocates4cre.org/
