2013 Energy Bills Signed Into Law

HB 1110:  Changes how fuel taxes are calculated for alternative vehicles by focusing on the energy content of the fuel, rather than the volume. 

HB 1247:  Modifies and extends state tax credits for electric and natural gas vehicles, and confirms that plug-in hybrid vehicles qualify for tax credits.

HB 1185:  Low -income energy assistance transfer from severence tax. 

SB 028:  Tracking the utility data of State buildings that have achieved the highest performance certification attainable.

HB 1027:  Requires Director of the Public Utilities Commision to report annually to the General Assembly on rate cases.

SB 070:  Concerning the purchase of vehicles that operate on alternative fuels for the state motor vehicle fleet system.

SB 028:  Concerning tracking the utility data of a state building that has achieved the highest performance certification attainable.  

SB 126:  Removes unreasonable restrictions on access to EV charhing stations.

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 Colorado 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.

• CNG
• Electric Vehicles
• Bio Fuels

Energy Efficiency

Reducing energy costs for consumers is a key component to the CEO’s mission and vision.  Increasing access to information and providing technical resources are just a few ways the CEO 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.  

• Commercial Buildings
• Residential Buildings
• Agriculture
• Industrial

Economic Development

The Colorado 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 CEO 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.

• Innovation
• Bottom up Development
• Financing

Energy Portfolio

One of the Colorado Energy Office goals is to retain Colorado’s position as a low cost energy state while continuing the expansion of the energy industry. CEO 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 CEO 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 CEO 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 CEO 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.

CEO 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.

• Generation
• Transmission
• Renewable Energy

Weatherization Assistance Program

In partnership with local agencies and the U.S. Department of Energy, CEO 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 

• FAQ
• Local Agencies
• Bid Requests

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.

• State Energy Use
• Water Consumption
• Waste
• Council Representatives
• State Fleet

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 CEO’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.  

• CECs
• Community Outreach