ENERGY EFFICIENCY REPORT—Rex Wilmouth, CoPIRG state director, released a report documenting the savings that Colorado would enjoy if the state adopts new energy efficiency standards.

A Call For Action On Energy Efficiency

With home heating and other energy prices soaring, CoPIRG has called on lawmakers to renew their efforts to pass legislation that would help Colorado consumers save energy and money.

The Energy Efficiency Standards Bill would save Colorado consumers $525 billion by 2030 by requiring utilities to provide rebates on products like efficient hot water heaters, windows, insulation and solar heating systems.

“Many Colorado consumers are doing their part on energy conservation,” said CoPIRG State Director Rex Wilmouth. “But lawmakers can help consumers do even more by requiring utilities to implement energy efficiency programs.”

Last year, the Legislature approved two bills that would have set energy efficiency requirements on common appliances, but Gov. Owens vetoed both measures.

Gov. Owens’ support of energy assistance for low-income families makes passage of the Energy Efficiency Standards Bill seem more likely this year.

This year’s bill puts the responsibility for energy efficiency on power companies like Xcel Energy. During the fall and winter, CoPIRG’s Wilmouth met with 20 legislators and enlisted 10 groups to join the coalition behind the bill. Among the groups endorsing the bill are Energy Outreach Colorado, SWEEP (South West Energy Efficiency Project), Colorado Environmental Coalition and AARP.

“This should be a clear win-win for Colorado,” said Rep. Tom Plant. “Energy-efficiency standards not only save consumers money, they also keep health-endangering pollution out of our air by reducing the demand for electricity from polluting power plants.”