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Routt County commissioners describe mixed public response at PUC hearing on Hayden plant closure
Summary
Commissioners who attended a recent Public Utilities Commission hearing said they heard a range of community views — from calls to keep the Hayden plant open to requests for a just transition — and emphasized the county’s role is advocacy, not the operator’s closure decision.
Commissioners reported on a large Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hearing about the closure of the Hayden power plant and said the hearing featured strong advocacy from residents, school officials and first responders as well as vocal opposition.
Multiple commissioners who attended or monitored the PUC proceedings said the hearing included speakers urging the PUC to keep the plant operating, appeals for a just transition for workers and communities, and criticism that the company’s closure offer was too small. Commissioners said turnout was good and that written comments will remain part of the record; a virtual hearing is scheduled June 5 for additional comments.
Commissioners emphasized that the county did not decide the plant’s fate. One commissioner told colleagues the county’s role is to “advocate for our communities” and to focus on what it can influence in mitigation, workforce and transition planning. Commissioners said they heard consistent concerns about community impact, the size of the company’s proposed offer, and the need for concrete, community‑specific transition measures.
Several commissioners also described receiving direct feedback from residents who oppose the closure; one commissioner said some public comments were strongly opposed and less focused on offering alternatives. Other voices at the hearing — including the local school district superintendent and emergency services leaders — stressed impacts to local facilities and workers.
No county action was taken at the meeting; commissioners said staff will continue to pursue options to advocate for affected residents and communities as regulatory and company processes proceed.
