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://www.rmpbs.org/blogs/science-environment/xcel-energy-wind-power-shutoff?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/texas-sues-xcel-panhandle-fires/808421

https://enewspaper.denverpost.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=9a387107-a430-4bf2-8856-d519e4143cad&share=true

Guest editorial

https://enewspaper.denverpost.com/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=9a387107-a430-4bf2-8856-d519e4143cad&share=true

Gas Appliance warning label

https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/19/colorado-gas-stove-warning-law-halted/

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 fashionable anymore.

How to Enter

Starting with the first show of 2026, drop a funny, clever, or pithy comment in the show’s comment section.

That’s it. No forms. No fine print to initial. No ESG questionnaire.

1. We’ll be collecting comments throughout the 2026 legislative session, so you’ll have ample time to workshop your sarcasm.
2. After each show, we’ll pick our favorite comment.
3. Full transparency: we’re the hosts, we pick the favorites, and it is 100% subjective.
4. If you’re looking for a neutral referee, this is not that contest.

At the end of the session, we’ll select our top 3–5 favorite comments.

Final Vote

Then you vote on the winner.

Democracy still works here. Mostly.

Winner announced on the last show in May 2026.

The (Very Small) Legal Stuff

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:

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 fashionable anymore.

How to Enter

Starting with the first show of 2026, drop a funny, clever, or pithy comment in the show’s comment section.

That’s it. No forms. No fine print to initial. No ESG questionnaire.

1. We’ll be collecting comments throughout the 2026 legislative session, so you’ll have ample time to workshop your sarcasm.
2. After each show, we’ll pick our favorite comment.
3. Full transparency: we’re the hosts, we pick the favorites, and it is 100% subjective.
4. If you’re looking for a neutral referee, this is not that contest.

At the end of the session, we’ll select our top 3–5 favorite comments.

Final Vote

Then you vote on the winner.

Democracy still works here. Mostly.

Winner announced on the last show in May 2026.

The (Very Small) Legal Stuff

1. No purchase necessary.
2. Void where prohibited, regulated, or over-engineered.
3. No cash value and not transferable.
4. Must pick up at the Independence Institute office, 727 E 16th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
5. One generator will be awarded. Actual runtime may vary depending on weather, policy decisions, and common sense.
6. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or approved by any utility, regulator, or energy modeler who thinks batteries replace physics.
7. By entering, you agree we may read, share, or lovingly mock your comment on the show.

One comment.

One generator.

Because when the grid wobbles, satire won’t keep your lights on — but a Predator Generator will.

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 States, High Rates

https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Blue-States-High-Rates.pdf

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/

The Sierra Club has commissioned a study about the Ray Nixon Power Plant in Colorado Springs that concludes renewables are less expensive, but is the study accurate? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke dive in and find out.

Show Notes:

https://bigpivots.com/does-delaying-nixon-retirement-make-sense/

https://www.sierraclub.org/colorado/colorado-springs-utility

https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/08/coal-study-colorado-springs-utilities-consumer-costs/

The Public Utilities Commission plans to phase out natural gas use for home heating to meet emissions goals, but is this realistic and how would it be possible? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.

Show Notes:

Decision on keeping Comanche 2 open

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIfpLJrh4DA

https://puc.colorado.gov/press-release/fact-sheet-comanche-power-plant-unit-2-retirement-extension

https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/04/comanche-2-coal-burning-pueblo-xcel-energy/

Clean Heat Plan

https://i2i.org/puc-establishes-new-clean-heat-targets-designed-to-crack-down-on-natural-gas/

https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/02/colorado-natural-gas-emissions-caps-xcel/

Energy Co-Ops may list a variety of places that they get their power from, but how does that work and what arrives to the customers? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more.

Show Notes:

https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/20/colorado-coal-power-comanche-extension/

https://bigpivots.com/bryan-hannegan-the-bigger-leagues/

https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/17/united-power-electricity-suppliers-wind-solar-battery-energy/

What happens to renewables at the end of their useful life and who is responsible for getting ride of them? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this topic with Executive Director of the Council to Modernize Governance Curtis Schube.

Show Notes:

Who Pays When Wind Turbines and Solar Panels Wear Out? A Hidden Energy Liability

https://energyanalytics.org/hidden-energy-liability/