ENERGY EFFICIENCY VICTORY—Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. signs H.B. 1037. With him are CoPIRG’s Rex Wilmouth, Elise Jones, director of the Colorado Environmental Coalition, and Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald.

Gov. Ritter Signs Historic Energy Bill

After three years of hard work and advocacy by CoPIRG’s staff and members, Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. signed House Bill 1037, Colorado’s most significant energy efficiency legislation to date. Sponsored by Rep. Claire Levy and Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, the policy will help public utilities establish and expand energy efficiency programs throughout the state.

“H.B. 1037 is a win-win proposition for consumers, businesses and utilities in the state,” said CoPIRG director Rex Wilmouth. “We applaud the General Assembly for passing House Bill 1037 and Gov. Ritter for signing it into law.”

H.B. 1037 will help consumers reduce their energy use and lower their energy bills. CoPIRG estimates that households and businesses will save $1.2 billion as a result of this legislation. As an added bonus, less water will be consumed and less pollution will be emitted by power plants, which will benefit Colorado’s environment.

“This legislation is another step towards a new energy economy in our state,” commented Rep. Claire Levy, one of the sponsors of the bill. “Saving energy through greater energy efficiency is much more economical than supplying energy from new power plants or natural gas wells.”

The bill directs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to establish energy savings goals and provide financial incentives for energy efficiency programs. These programs educate consumers and provide incentives to residents and businesses that purchase energy-efficient lights, appliances, insulation or that take other conservation measures. According to the legislation, utility energy-efficiency programs must also produce benefits that exceed their costs.