Thousands are Missing Out on Energy Cost Savings

Media Releases

CoPIRG Foundation

Denver, CO  – Thousands of Coloradans are missing out on important energy costs savings program simply because of the side of the street they live on according to a new report released today by CoPIRG.  The report, The Other Side of the Street, looks at seven different street corners where utility territories meet and analyzes the differences in energy cost savings.

“Energy costs are on the rise and energy efficiency programs can play an important role in cutting these costs,” said Keelin Kelly, CoPIRG Energy Associate. “Unfortunately, many people are missing out because some Colorado utilities offer very limited cost savings programs. It’s unfortunate that whether or not consumers have access to them is often determined simply by what side of the street they bought their house.”

The report details that while certain Colorado utilities, like Xcel Energy, have robust energy efficiency programs that will collectively save their consumers millions, others do not. Some utilities profiled in the report like Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) have very few cost-savings programs. This problem is particularly apparent where utility service areas meet.

“We are releasing this report on Keystone Blvd. in Parker, Colorado today to highlight how arbitrary it is that consumers on the north side of the street have access to Xcel’s numerous efficiency programs, while IREA’s consumers to the south are have very limited programs,” said Kelly.

The report calls on all Colorado utilities to reduce consumer demand 10% by 2020 because it will save many Coloradans money immediately by participating in the programs, and it will save everyone money in the long run as utilities need to buy less costly new power generation.

“I wish IREA had more energy efficiency programs like Xcel whose electrical rates are lower. Rather than selling electrons I wish their focus would be more in tune with their bylaws to provide electricity at the lowest possible cost, which is through efficiency programs,” said Neil Priester local concerned community leader.