Why Local Energy?

• Ten cents on the local dollar of the community goes directly to pay for fuel. In the case of Colorado, much of this is imported. e.g. Coal from Wyoming.

• Only between ten and fifteen cents on the dollar spent on that fuel stays in the local community.

• Locally-produced energy is often more diversified in both fuel source as well as in location. Much strength lies in having diversity within a system. Therefore, having 50 different locations producing electricity to the grid via solar panels on their roofs is significantly more resilient than having a single coal-fired power plant.

Read more on why going local is important.

What Can I Do?

Support localization by going local! Open lines of communication with your energy provider and look for opportunities to improve energy efficiency, generate energy on-site, and offset your current usage. Currently, we've joined the Denver Energy Challenge to help individuals and businesses sign up with Windsource, a program with Xcel Energy focused on locally-generated renewable energy. Not only do you get to localize your energy, if you sign up now with the Denver Energy Challenge, Xcel Energy will also donate up to $125,000 to energy education projects at Denver public high schools. (read more about helping DPS)

The Mile High Business Alliance and the Colorado Local First campaign are committed building a thriving local economy, one that ensures that economic power resides locally and sustains vibrant, livable communities. Keep watching the Local Energy First campaign as we'll be developing more ways for individuals and businesses to support locally produced, renewable energy in Colorado!