CRES history Part 7: Next steps?
Colorado is briskly decarbonizing electricity, but huge challenges remain. What is the role for a grassroots group like CRES?
Influence in the Polis years: CRES history Part 6:
CRES has been busy in recent years trying to advance Colorado’s clean energy agenda. The most compelling evidence of success is a law that tilts the table on natural gas to favor efficiency measures.
Growth, a stumble, then new chapters: CRES history Part 5:
CRES grew 10-fold in membership, held annual conferences, then tried to spread its wings. That didn’t work out exactly as hoped. Why not? Opinions vary.
How Bill Ritter rode wind energy into the governor’s mansion
When running for governor, Bill Ritter thought it important to visit little places sparse on Democrats. He also began talking about a new energy economy.
The path to the governor’s mansion: CRES history Part 4
As a farm boy, Bill Ritter loathed wind. But when he ran for governor, renewables put wind at his back.
Voters have their say: CRES history Part 3
Failing at the Capitol, advocates took their case directly to voters The outcome — the first voter-initiated renewables mandate — was national news.
Why not wind? CRES history Part 2:
In 2000, Colorado’s largest utility rejected a major project . Why? A team that included CRES fought back. The result: Colorado Green — followed by others. Others followed.
A History of CRES Part 1: A coming together of minds
Colorado in the late 1970s had a convergence of people who thought there had to be another way to power a civilization. Among them were the founders of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society.
Enough power in a heat wave in 2025?
A more volatile climate. Closing coal plants. Loss of hydro power. Will there enough electricity if temperatures hit 115 degrees in Colorado and beyond?
Digging deeper on turf removal
Colorado legislators allocated $2 million for turf removal, a crucial response to the Colorado River Basin’s deepening aridification. Is it enough to do much?
Gas or electric?
In Steamboat Springs, not an easy decision about a new city hall and fire station. Worries about disrupting hot springs help make geothermal a no-show
High end sans natural gas in Colorado
Homes with no natural gas are arising along Pueblo’s prairie fringe. Has the market arrived for high-performance homes?
Who’s at the table for Colorado’s energy code?
Appointments to a new board that will shape building energy codes in Colorado have been announced.
Transmission to San Luis Valley?
Colorado’s San Luis Valley rips with solar potential but lacks a way to get the electricity to market. What will it take? A conversation is beginning at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
New transmission agency seeks executive director
The new Colorado Electric Transmission Authority is seeking an executive director to help fill in the gaps in Colorado’s transmission landscape.
Past is prologue
Reflections of a descendant of survivor of the massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho people on Colorado’s eastern plains November 29, 1864
Can Colorado provide a model for other states?
PUC chair Eric Blank says Colorado is at a magical place in its energy transition. Can it be example for other states with purplish political complexions?
EVs at 9.6% of auto sales in Colorado
Supply chain issues likely slowed sales, but state still moving more briskly toward 2030 goal than expected. Does new website provide useful info?
Xcel’s all-electric bucket truck
Xcel Energy has its first all-electric bucket truck in Colorado. Other electric fleet vehicles will soon follow.
EVs now across Colorado
From Cheyenne Wells to Dolores, even the smallest places have EVs. Boulder nad Pitkin counties predictably lead in per-capita EV ownership.
