Everyone should read the Boulder municipalization Study packet available online. Page 16 is particularly interesting because it proves the question of rate parity cannot be accomplished using solar and wind before the year 2022 in spite of what we have been told about the now competitiveness of these sources. To obtain a chance at rate parity the Homer model has been forced to use purchased natural gas electricity from Independent Power Producers until assumed fossil fuel costs rise and wind/solar costs fall enough to possibly allow their economic use.
The municipalization case that is most economic assumes that the Xcel assets may be purchased for only $150 million; if the high range prevails $405 million, that case does not meet rate parity. The model assumes Boulder, a novice to the natural gas and electric power industry, will make all decisions at least as good as would Xcel. It also assumes reliability as good or better than Xcel.
The New York Times on Feb.15 published the article: "In New England, a Natural Gas Trap." It noted that because New England utilities have shut many coal and nuclear plants and relied on natural gas plants for their supply, they experienced a financial shock during the recent cold crisis because gas was not available and prices tripled for both gas and electricity.
Coal plants are more reliable because they have a 90-day stockpile siting on the ground, but that fact is not considered when City Council must save the planet from global warming.