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The State expects to save from $15-$45 a year for each of the 11,000 computers using it.
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GEO's Energy Performance Contracting program offered the most cost effective option for the libraries.
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The program is designed to engage school teachers and students in wind energy education.
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The price difference between compressed natural gas and diesel fuel makes economic sense for RFTA.
FACT SHEET
Key Elements of HB-1315
BACKGROUND
HB1315 was introduced in the 2012 legislative session and was sponsored by Representative Becker and Senator Steadman.
The bill will enable the State’s energy office to build on Colorado’s national reputation as a leader in clean energy and energy innovation, and enhance the ability to support private sector job creation not only in the renewable energy sector but also in some traditional sectors like natural gas.
KEY ELEMENTS
» Changes name of the office to “Colorado Energy Office”
» Secures continuous funding for the Office for 5 years.
» Established two funds:
Innovative Energy Fund: can be used for promoting, research, development, commercialization, education, attracting innovative industry investments to the state, providing market incentives for efficient innovative energy products, assisting in implementation of innovative efficiency projects, aid government agencies in innovative energy efficiency initiatives, innovative energy policy development. Innovative energy is defined as “existing, new, or emerging technology that enables the use of a local fuel source, establishes a more efficient or environmentally beneficial use of energy & helps to create energy independence & security for the state”. Funding from severance tax dollars. Clean & Renewable Energy Fund: can be used for attracting renewable energy industry investment in the state, assisting technology transfer into the market place for newly developed energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, providing market incentives for the purchase & distribution of energy efficient & renewable energy products, assisting in energy implementation of energy efficiency projects throughout the state, aid government agencies in energy efficiency initiatives, implementation of renewable energy technologies, overall advancement of energy efficiency & renewable energy throughout the state. Funding General fund dollars.
» Requires the Colorado Energy Office to report to the Legislature annually via the SMART Act.
Transportation
Transportation fuels are a major component of Colorado’s energy portfolio accounting for 30% of all energy use, the largest of any sector in the state. Colorado is in a position to become a key producer and beneficiary in the emerging alternative-fuels economy. We have abundant resources that have great potential as domestic sources for transportation fuels. Diversifying the state’s transportation fuels portfolio will be a key priority for the Governor’s Energy Office as it seeks to promote its mission of enhancing energy security, promoting environmental stewardship, creating Colorado jobs, and providing low costs to consumers.
Energy Efficiency
Reducing energy costs for consumers is a key component to the GEO’s mission and vision. Increasing access to information and providing technical resources are just a few ways the GEO promotes energy efficiency in Colorado. The following sections help map out the steps for successful implementation of various efficiency measures in the Commercial, Residential, Agricultural, and Industrial sectors.
Economic Development
The Governor’s Energy Office is dedicated to the development and growth of Colorado’s economy. Focusing our efforts to accomplish our mission of creating jobs in Colorado, the GEO strives to make the state a thriving business-friendly environment.
Colorado has the 5 top assets identified by the International Economic Development Council necessary for job creation in the clean energy sector:
•Political leadership
•Workforce
•Business climate
•Natural energy source – abundant solar and wind
•Research and development capacity
For more information on the bottom–up approach to economic development, please see the Colorado Blueprint.
Energy Portfolio
One of the Governor’s Energy Office goals is to retain Colorado’s position as a low cost energy state while continuing the expansion of the energy industry. GEO will analyze the state’s energy policies and programs to ensure we have the best possible cost-benefit analysis, taking into account job creation, energy security, consumer cost, and environmental protection.
The GEO has recommended the development of an energy policy for the State of Colorado, creating a “Balanced Energy Portfolio,” the details of which will be developed by the GEO through an extensive, analytical stakeholder process to guide our cost-benefit analysis to determine the energy vision for the State’s electric power generation mix, and to inform the Administration on what policy tools and pathways will most effectively and efficiently lead us to this vision.
The GEO plans to engage in a stakeholder process that will evaluate the possibility of a portfolio mix that includes an optimal mix of coal fired generation, natural gas fired generation, and renewable energy.
GEO will recruit stakeholders from utilities, academia, the conservation and environmental community, state government, industry associations, local government, and the Federal government to participate in both the cost-benefit analysis and policy development phases, with a target completion date timed to coincide with the start of the 2013 legislative session. This process will begin in January 2012.
Weatherization Assistance Program
In partnership with local agencies and the U.S. Department of Energy, GEO offers a free Weatherization Program to Colorado’s low-income residents, giving them the opportunity to access cost-effective energy efficiency services through its Weatherization Program. This program gives eligible residents the ability to save money on their energy bills by implementing energy efficiency measures.
Weatherization is a blanket term for a variety of measures that improve the energy efficiency of your home. These cost-effective improvements and upgrades will reduce energy usage, saving you money while improving the comfort of your home year round.
Weatherization improvements may include:
- Energy Audit
- Insulation in Attics and Walls
- Furnace Replacement
- Furnace Safety Testing
- Refrigerator Replacement
- Sealing Air Leaks
- Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)
- Storm Windows and Doors
- Energy Conservation Information
Greening Government
The daily activities of state government have a significant impact on the quality of Colorado’s public health and environment, and use of its natural resources. That’s why, in April 2007, Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., signed the Greening of State Government Executive Orders D011 07 and D012 07. These orders direct state government to achieve the following goals by June 30, 2012.
1. Reduce energy use by 20%
2. Reduce paper use by 20%
3. Reduce water consumption by 10%
4. Reduce state vehicle petroleum consumption by 25% (volumetric reduction)
5. To track and report greening government performance, each state department and campus wil create a sustainability management system.
Local Community
A local focus on sustainability includes supporting local businesses, selecting food grown and produced in the region, and using local energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass. Local communities are uniquely positioned to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and programs. We recommend that local governments review GEO’s Greening Government Program goals to reduce energy, water, petroleum, and paper consumption as a means to save money and reduce the environmental impact of government operations.
More local community links:
EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program provides guides to getting started, tracking progress, policy suggestions, and a number of case studies, tools, and resources.
Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government DOLA provides technical assistance to local governments, including assistance in the development of sustainable communities and main streets.
Do you want to get involved in energy conservation, efficiencies, and renewable in your town? The Colorado State University Extension Service Energy Master Program may be of interest to you.