Colorado is in the middle of a dynamic evolution in the generation and delivery of electricity because customers are demanding choices and direct participation in how energy is generated and managed. They want to benefit from lower prices, cleaner air and greater autonomy. Colorado’s citizens – and in turn the utilities that serve them – are rapidly changing their perspective on what truly represents an economic “cost.” There is growing consensus that we should take into careful consideration the emerging economic threats presented by climate change and related forces when making decisions about our energy future.
During the 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Governor-elect Polis voiced support for a 100% clean energy goal for Colorado by 2040, built upon markets, not mandates. To reach that goal, Colorado will need to begin planning for the future today and putting policies into place that enable that future. A significant component of that strategy must include a robust role for wind, solar, hydro, and energy storage.
The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA), which represents the interests of solar and energy storage providers across Colorado, supports Governor-elect Polis’ 100% clean energy by 2040 goal and seeks to partner with Governor-elect Polis and the incoming legislature to craft legislation that will lay the foundation to achieve it. We agree that the best and most path forward is through enabling markets to drive innovation and lower costs for Coloradans.
COSEIA offers 7 principles to facilitate meeting Governor-elect Polis’ 2040 target.
1) Use all proven clean energy technologies
2) Support customer choice to access products and services
3) Level playing field for all participants
4) Share benefits of solar and storage across Colorado
5) Identify grid services provided by solar and storage and compensation mechanisms
6) Adjust rate designs to better align cost and value of services
7) Build a network for the future
These principles are not exhaustive. COSEIA looks forward to working with all stakeholders to meet the 2040 clean energy goal as expeditiously as possible, while relying on markets and innovation to drive and enable customers, utilities, suppliers, and stakeholders to realize the savings and benefits from this goal.
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