Energy Efficiency Measure Passes

A natural gas energy-efficiency measure twice vetoed during Gov. Owens’ term, was passed and signed into law in May of 2007. Gov. Bill Ritter signed House Bill 1037 on May 22. The policy facilitates expansion and implementation of utility energy efficiency programs in the state, and was sponsored by Rep. Levy to help bring energy bills down and protect our natural resources.

The legislation directs Xcel and other investor-owned utility companies to offer energy efficiency programs to all customers. “Energy efficiency means spending less money to get the same heating service,” said Rex Wilmouth, director of CoPIRG. “These types of programs are the fastest, cheapest way to take a big bite out of your energy bill.”

Xcel Energy and other utilities already run similar energy efficiency programs in Minnesota, Texas, Utah and Montana, among other states. For every dollar Xcel spends on its energy efficiency programs in Minnesota, customers are currently saving over $5.00.

Colorado’s winter energy costs went up 104 percent in 2005, and another 78 percent in 2006. Energy efficiency has a big part to play in cutting energy costs for every Coloradan.