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Council adopts five-year electric integrated resource plan required by Western Area Power Administration
Summary
Council approved Resolution 26-036 adopting the city’s five-year electric integrated resource plan (IRP). Utilities staff said Fountain joined the Southwest Power Pool on April 1, 2026, and flagged a supplier transition to Guzman Energy in 2028 affecting rates.
Randy Burrows presented the city's five-year integrated resource plan (IRP), which the Western Area Power Administration requires for the city to retain its hydroelectric allocation. Burrows summarized near-term changes in Fountain's electric portfolio and the implications for rates and budgeting.
"As of 04/01/2026, Fountain joined the Southwest Power Pool as a market participant and transmission customer," Burrows said, explaining that SPP provides regional balancing and has helped reliability while producing mixed financial results: lower transmission costs compared with prior arrangements but higher Pueblo hydro wheeling costs in some cases. Burrows also said Guzman Energy will replace the current supplemental provider (identified in staff remarks as XLPSCO) in 2028 and that the transition's wholesale price impacts are already included in the 2027–28 budget.
Council member Geeke moved to approve Resolution 26-036; Council member Estes seconded. Roll call vote was 7 yes and the resolution passed.
Why it matters: IRP adoption maintains compliance with WAPA requirements, informs rate-setting and budgeting (including anticipated wholesale-supplier changes), and directs staff to continue rate and fund reporting to council.
