Support HB 1107 (Rep. Levy)

The cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy we don't use!

Colorado's population is growing. Predications are that the state's energy demand will grow as well. Meeting this need will cost Coloradans money in new power plants, new transmissions lines and, potentially harmful environmental and public health impacts. Colorado can do better. By using energy more wisely we can save money for Colorado's homes and businesses while cutting the state's global warming pollution. This bill will direct Colorado's rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities to invest at least 2% of their revenue on energy efficiency program.

Last year the Colorado legislature passed HB 07-1037 that required investor owned utilities to invest in efficiency programs. HB-1107 complements last year's bill by extending these investment requirements to rural electric cooperatives and municipally owned utilities that serve more than 900,000 customers in Colorado.  Electric cooperatives and municipal utilities must spend at least 2% of their revenues on energy efficiency programs for their customers, starting in 2010.  

Good for the Environment…

Meeting Colorado's Climate goals with smarter energy use    

Governor Ritter has asked Coloradans to join in combating global warming. Investing in efficiency is the easiest, cheapest way for ordinary Coloradans to contribute to this goal. Colorado homes and business will cut global warming pollution from Colorado's power plants by 1.4 million metric tons of CO2 per year by 2020.

Meeting new energy demand with Colorado's cheapest resource

Before building additional costly power plants to meet growing demand, Colorado should use the least cost resource—energy efficiency. This bill will reduce the need for new plants by cutting peak demand and reducing annual energy use by an amount equivalent to 170,000 Colorado homes.

Even better for consumers!

Easing the burden on Colorado's households and small businesses

As energy costs increase, families and businesses will see some relief.  Consumers will realize $600 million in savings between 2008 and 2020, money that will likely be spent in the local economy.  Customers will see additional savings because utilities will not have to build additional power plants and transmission whose costs are passed on in rate increases. 

Investing in Colorado

For every dollar spent, energy efficiency spending generates $2.32 more economic activity in local economies.  This bill will generate $32 million a year for investment in energy efficiency by requiring 30 electric cooperatives and municipal utilities – generating over $74 million in economic activity.