2015 Energy Efficiency Grants
Energy Efficiency Business Coalition – $25,000
To participate in stakeholder meetings and intervene in the Black Hills Energy (BHE) Demand Side Management (DSM) plan docket to advocate for increased energy savings goals; advocate for more effective programs during implementation of Xcel’s 2015-16 DSM plan including attending stakeholder meetings, working with Xcel on implementation of its pilot projects, and participating in Xcel’s new consumer non-participation taskforce; educate the business community about leveraging utility programs though Energy Efficiency Business Coalition (EEBC) training; advocate for increased investment in energy efficiency and improved programs from Tri-State, its members, and munis, including working with Fort Collins and Boulder County on getting deeper energy savings through pilot projects; continue to work with organizations in Arizona on creation of an EEBC.
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) – $60,000
To continue participation in Xcel’s 2015-16 DSM plan docket to enhance the energy efficiency programs as implemented; provide recommendations for potential new energy efficiency programs in early 2016 as Xcel begins preparing its 2017-18 DSM plan; influence BHE’s 2016-18 DSM programs and intervene in the docket once filed, with the aim of improving BHE’s energy efficiency goals; intervene in an Xcel rate case to oppose big increases in fixed charges, defend inverted block rates, advocate for stronger ones, and seek better tariffs for electric vehicles and combined heat and power; track progress and provide advice on energy efficiency programs to other utilities, including Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, United Power, and Holy Cross; track and provide input into Colorado Rural Electric Association’s new Energy Efficiency Council; advocate that utilities and the state make energy efficiency a prominent component of their compliance plans for the EPA Clean Power Plan Rule; educate policy makers about the importance of renewing the basic policy underpinning utility efficiency policies and programs for investor-owned utilities in Colorado, HB 1037.