Boulder’s Energy Dilemma: To Buy or to Build?

QUESTION

​Earthquake, drought,​ fire, economic​ famine, flood, and a pestilence of TV court reporters have caused an exodus from the City of Angels to​ Boulder, Colorado. The sudden increase in demand is straining the capacity of​ Boulder’s electrical system.​ Boulder’s alternatives have been reduced to buying 100,000 MWh of electric power from​ Tri-County G&T at a price of ​$74 per​ MWh, or refurbishing and recommissioning the abandoned Pearl Street Power Station in downtown Boulder. Fixed costs of that project are ​$8 million per​ year, and variable costs would be ​$37 per MWh. Should Boulder build or​ buy? Part 2 Boulder should ▼ buy build ​, with a total cost of ​$    enter your response here per year. ​(Enter your response as an​ integer.)

ANSWER

Boulder’s Energy Dilemma: To Buy or to Build?

In a world marked by unprecedented challenges such as earthquakes, droughts, fires, economic hardships, floods, and a pestilence of TV court reporters, the unexpected can often become a daunting reality. The City of Boulder, Colorado, finds itself in such a situation, grappling with an influx of residents fleeing the chaos of the City of Angels. This sudden population surge has placed an immense strain on Boulder’s electrical system, prompting a critical decision-making process: should Boulder buy 100,000 MWh of electric power from Tri-County G&T at a rate of $74 per MWh, or should they refurbish and recommission the long-abandoned Pearl Street Power Station in downtown Boulder?

This essay aims to explore these two options, weighing their respective costs and benefits while considering the broader context of Boulder’s energy needs and sustainability goals.

The Buy Option: Reliability and Immediate Access

The first option is to purchase electricity from Tri-County G&T, a reliable external source. This approach offers the advantage of immediate access to a stable power supply, which is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted service to Boulder’s residents and businesses. With the ever-increasing demand for electricity, securing a dependable source becomes paramount.

However, this convenience comes at a cost. Tri-County G&T charges $74 per MWh, and with a demand of 100,000 MWh annually, the total cost amounts to $7,400,000. While this option ensures reliability, it presents a significant financial burden for Boulder.

The Build Option: Self-Sufficiency and Local Control

The alternative approach involves refurbishing and recommissioning the abandoned Pearl Street Power Station within Boulder. This option offers self-sufficiency and local control over the power supply, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing dependence on external sources.

The fixed costs of this project are $8 million per year, and variable costs amount to $37 per MWh. Combining these costs results in a total annual cost of $11,700,000. While this option grants Boulder independence and control, it comes with a notably higher price tag.

The Decision: Balancing Reliability and Cost-efficiency

The decision between buying and building comes down to balancing reliability and cost-efficiency. In a world where natural disasters and crises are becoming more frequent, a stable power supply is of paramount importance. Tri-County G&T offers that reliability but at a cost of $7,400,000 annually.

On the other hand, the Pearl Street Power Station project offers local control and aligns with sustainability objectives. However, it carries a higher annual cost of $11,700,000. This cost disparity cannot be ignored, particularly in a time when resources are stretched thin due to the aforementioned crises.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Cost-efficiency in Challenging Times

In conclusion, Boulder should prioritize cost-efficiency in these challenging times. While the allure of local control and sustainability is compelling, the financial burden of refurbishing the Pearl Street Power Station outweighs the benefits. Therefore, the more practical and cost-effective choice is to buy 100,000 MWh of electric power from Tri-County G&T at a rate of $74 per MWh, resulting in a total annual cost of $7,400,000.

In an unpredictable world where crises can strike at any moment, Boulder’s decision should prioritize the immediate well-being of its residents and businesses while keeping a watchful eye on long-term sustainability goals. Buying electricity from an external source ensures reliability without overextending the city’s resources, making it the optimal choice in these challenging circumstances.

 

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