Gabe Evans
09/04/2026 | Press release | Archived content
Reps. Crank and Evans Join Secretary Wright for Tour of the Ray D. Nixon Power Plant
FOUNTAIN, C.O. -- Today Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright for a tour of the Ray D. Nixon Power Plant operated by Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU).
The Ray D. Nixon Power Plant is primarily fueled by coal and can generate more than 260 megawatts of electricity. Coal-fired power plants represent roughly a third of Colorado's energy grid, but unrealistic energy mandates coming out of Denver, risk energy reliability and increased energy rates for consumers.
Springs Utilities has been successful in negotiating with the State of Colorado to push back the 2029 closure deadline to 2032, saving customers $200 million in projected rate increases, but reliable energy production is still at risk in the future.
"Denver Democrats spent years attacking reliable coal generation, only to run headfirst into reality: you cannot shut down dependable baseload power without something ready to replace it. Keeping Ray Nixon online longer will protect grid reliability and save ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. With electricity demand skyrocketing, Colorado needs more safe, affordable, reliable energy-not political mandates that take power off the grid and leave families paying the price. I'm grateful to Secretary Wright and Congressman Crank for fighting for an all-of-the-above strategy that puts reliability, affordability, and American energy dominance first." - Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08)
"Coal is a reliable, baseload domestic energy resource to help power our grid here in Colorado. Colorado's burdensome energy mandates continue to cost our region, not only with higher utility bills but they also threaten our national security assets. Coloradans deserve reliable energy, and I'd like to thank Secretary Wright for his efforts to keep reliable coal generation online and coming to Colorado's Fifth Congressional District to show support for the Ray D. Nixon Power Plant." - Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05)
"Coal has powered American prosperity for generations and continues to provide the reliable, around-the-clock electricity our grid needs. The Trump Administration is committed to adding reliable power to the grid, not prematurely shutting down generation that is already keeping the lights on. Ray Nixon is a great example of the critical baseload power Colorado needs to meet growing electricity demand while keeping energy affordable and secure." - U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright
"We appreciate Secretary Wright's commitment to policies that support reliable and affordable energy for our customers, including the military installations we serve that play a vital role in our nation's defense. We also thank Representatives Crank and Evans for their continued leadership in Congress. Their support helps ensure we can continue delivering the reliable energy our community depends on today while planning responsibly for the future." - Travas Deal, CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities
Gabe Evans published this content on September 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 08, 2026 at 19:50 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]