Xcel Energy proposes rate hikes, but is it Xcel's choice or is it because of the Colorado Legislature? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke discuss this and more with special guest Sarah Montalbano from Always On Energy Research.

Show Notes:

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-022

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1030

Rumored bill: https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/23/colorado-data-center-bills-incentives-regulations/

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.

The Trump administration gave a stay of executive for a coal power plant in Craig, CO. What does that mean for this rural town and what will happen if it's forced to shut down? PowerGab Hosts Jake Fogleman and Amy Cooke interview former power plant employee John Kinkaid to find out more.

Show Notes:

https://www.energy.gov/documents/federal-power-act-section-202c-craig-order-no-202-25-14

https://coloradosun.com/2025/11/14/tri-state-craig-station-trump-federal-power-act-greenhouse-gas-emissions

https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/grid-strategies_craig-unit-1-report.pdf

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.

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