Energy Assistance Measure Passes

CoPIRG, joining forces with Energy Outreach Colorado, Colorado’s Department of Energy and Environment Colorado, passed a bill that both gives assistance on energy bills and helps winterize houses making them more energy-efficient.

The program allocates $20 million in energy assistance during each of the next three years along with $19 million to help winterize homes.

The coalition also emphasized the need for legislative action to increase energy efficiency.

“Not only should all Americans do their part in reducing energy costs, Congress and state governments should also take action to move toward cleaner and safer renewable forms of energy, help consumers most in need during the winter and make all appliances as efficient as possible,” said CoPIRG Director Rex Wilmouth.

CoPIRG is recommending a number of steps to reduce heating costs, including accelerating and extending energy efficiency tax incentives for homeowners and businesses.

The proposed efficiency legislation could save Colorado as much as $525 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.