Renewable Energy Standard Passes Colorado House of Representatives

HB 1295, the Renewable Energy Standard, passed the Colorado House of Representatives on 21 February on a bipartisan 43-20 vote.  Sponsored by House Speaker Lola Spradley (R-Beulah) and Minority Leader Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver), this legislation calls for the state’s two investor-owned utilities (Xcel Energy and Aquila) to provide a minimum of 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (including wind, solar, biomass, hydro and geothermal) in Colorado by 2006, 900 MW by 2010 and 1,800 MW by 2020.  The bill provides a “triple credit” for solar resources, and a 150% credit for renewable energy generated in enterprise zones around the state.  The bill also contains a number of other provisions, such as a cost cap, establishment of a credit trading system and transmission availability provisions, designed to protect utilities and their customers against unexpected costs.

This bill now goes to the Senate for consideration, where it is sponsored by Senators Ken Kester (R-Las Animas) and Terry Phillips (D-Louisville).

To review HB 1295 and follow its progress through the legislature, visit the legislature's website.