Go Big, Go Solar

“Colorful Colorado” Shows True Colors as Honorary “Sunshine State”

Denver – On Tuesday, the House voted to prove that Colorado is the true “sunshine state.”  House Bill 1164, sponsored by State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), passed with bi-partisan support by a vote of 43 to 21.  The bill is yet another example of Colorado’s ongoing transformation into a world leader in renewable energy production.  Specifically, the bill opens the market to large – or utility – scale solar energy production.   

By developing just two percent of the solar market, Colorado could meet half its energy demands and offer tremendous cost savings to consumers.   Despite some confusion among lawmakers, the bill will not make utility rates go up. Under current law, utilities are prohibited from increasing rates over two percent annually for energy generated for the purposes of meeting the renewable energy standard; there is no cap whatsoever for energy derived from fossil fuels.  This safeguard ensures the gradual introduction of large-scale solar power into the market, while protecting consumers from skyrocketing utility bills.

“On scorching August days when the sun is beating down and every house is blasting their air conditioners, we will be able to capture the sun’s energy and use it to power all of those AC units,” said Rep. Solano.  “It’s time we look to the not-so-distant-future and diversify our energy sources.  Coloradans are primed to benefit from the sun’s power. Harnessing the sun’s energy can benefit all of us and keep rates down for all of us,” continued Rep. Solano. 

The bill helps fight global warming by opening the market to the creation of new energy technologies including large-scale solar power production.  The bill encourages the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to consider purchasing utility-scale solar power when it’s feasible to do so, and to take into account the future cost of carbon-based fossil fuels and the impact of greenhouse gasses when purchasing energy.

“Six, large financial institutions, including Bank of America, are looking at carbon emissions as a liability.  Why shouldn’t the state do the same?” Rep. Solano said.

Colorado has one of the five largest potential solar markets in the nation. Colorado’s San Luis Valley, which is experiencing an economic downturn, would especially benefit from passage of HB 1164.  The San Luis Valley has been identified as one of the best solar energy producing regions in the nation, and this type of legislation has the potential to drive tremendous economic growth.   Estimates suggest that even one large scale solar plant could lead to as many as 250 new high-skilled jobs and as much as $2 billion in private investment. 

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

-- Posted by staff