It’s time to talk about Longmont’s energy future. And you don’t even have to go that far.

On Nov. 13, our community-owned wholesale energy provider Platte River Power Authority will visit the Longmont Museum to talk about its 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. And while that title may sound formal, the concept is fairly basic. An IRP looks at where our power will be coming from over the next few years and how we get there.

Why does that matter? As you may recall, both Longmont and Platte River have set a goal of getting 100% of our electricity from carbon-free sources by 2030. That’s a fast pace to set, with a lot that goes behind it – decisions about how to generate energy, how to store it, how to ensure that your power stays reliable and much more – so it requires some careful planning to get there.

That planning got underway with Platte River’s last IRP, which it adopted in 2020. Now it’s time to look at what’s been done and what’s still ahead. And as part of that, Platte River wants to share its process with you. It’s your utility – literally, since it’s co-owned by Longmont, Loveland, Fort Collins and Estes Park –  so it’s important that you have a chance to hear and ask about what’s happening.

The first of these sessions, back in June, was held in Fort Collins. This one’s a lot easier to get to. Just come to the Museum (400 Quail Road) at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 13. There’s no charge – all you need to bring is your curiosity and your interest. (And if you can’t make it, there’ll also be another Fort Collins session on Nov. 2 at Platte River’s headquarters, 2000 E. Horsetooth Road.)

Want to know more before you go? Check out Platte River’s 2024 IRP website as well as its FAQs for the plan. Then mark your calendar. It’s a great opportunity to be part of something that matters to your community. 

You could even say it’s a conversation that’s close to home.