Full marks to the CPUC for moving ahead with grid modernization. As Germany and other countries have discovered, traditional grids get very unstable when intermittent generation (e.g., wind, solar) exceeds about 35% of total generation. A modernized grid is absolutely essential if we are to achieve 100% generation from renewables.

And full marks to the DP for recognizing a critical issue -- the high degree of technological and cost uncertainty associated with grid modernization. If these aren't carefully managed by both XCEL and the CPUC, we run the risk of joining the very long list of energy and other large infrastructure projects that have experienced very large cost overruns. 

While extremists and the left and right will likely disagree, this is a perfect example of why the private and public sectors need and complement each other's efforts.