DENVER , CO—
A natural gas energy efficiency measure twice vetoed during Governor
Owens' term was passed out of the House Transportation and Energy
Committee today. The legislation, HB07-1037, is sponsored by
Representative Levy to help bring energy bills down and reduce our
resource consumption.
The legislation would direct 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.”
"With
little significant increases in supply in the near future, reducing
demand is the only option that will hold down the cost of natural gas
that Coloradans pay."
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.
While consumers clearly benefit from being offered such services as
cash incentives, technical assistance, and free energy conservation
products, the new legislation would make sure that there is a benefit
for utility companies as well.
"This
legislation saves consumers money, but it also guarantees that
utilities will be compensated for the efficiency services that they
provide. This is a classic case of a win-win situation for both the
business and the customer", noted Wilmouth. Without the legislation,
there is little financial incentive for Xcel to offer energy efficiency
services."
Wilmouth, added that "We fully support the continuation and expansion
of energy efficiency programs here in Colorado. They can save consumers
at least $600 million between now and 2020. Representative Levy
is offering a strong solution to a crisis that the state faces right now."
