Overview
With our energy needs growing fast, and energy bills rising for all Coloradans, one thing is clear: We can’t afford to continue using energy wastefully. As we shift to renewable energy
sources like solar, wind and biomass, we also need to be reducing our
energy use.
Through
rebates on energy-efficient tools like efficient hot water heaters,
double-pane windows, insulation, and solar heating and cooling systems,
we can easily achieve a statewide energy use reduction that will save
consumers money. By reaching energy use reduction goals in 2011, we'll
save 25 percent in electricity costs alone. By 2020, we will save over $1.2
billion and eliminate the need for several polluting power plants.
To see a chart of the estimated costs and benefits of individual efficiency measures for a typical Colorado homeowner, click here.
In
addition to being expensive, coal and natural gas energy sources are
unhealthy. In Colorado, 95 percent of electrical generation
relies on fossil fuel technologies such as coal and natural gas. Fine
soot from coal plants triggers tens of thousands of asthma attacks and,
every year, afflicts more than 500,000 Coloradans, mostly children. In
CO, ninety-five percent of electrical generation relies on outdated
fuel technologies such as coal and natural gas, and it's no wonder that
coal plants are the state's largest source of air pollution. One plant
outside of Denver, the Cherokee Plant, creates as much pollution every
year as 500,000 cars.
High
utility bills and excessive pollution make energy too costly to waste.
The Legislature passed and Governor Ritter signed our bill on energy
efficiency. CoPIRG’s bill will enable utilities to give consumers
rebates on new efficiency products. The bill requires the utility
companies to reduce energy consumption 25 percent by 2011.
Passing the bill means Colorado will use a lot less energy, save
billions of dollars, and experience fewer price spikes. And, as we
reduce the need for new power plants, it means cleaner air.
CoPIRG will seek to save consumers money and promote smarter energy choices by:
• Expanding energy-efficiency programs to benefit all Coloradans, including those served by rural electric co-ops.
• Setting energy efficiency codes for Colorado's buildings.
• Setting new energy standards for common products - from furnaces to tv sets - sold in Colorado.
