Colorado settlement boosts low-income household access to renewable energy

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) and GRID Alternatives Colorado recently celebrated the Xcel Energy utility settlement, which will see the company provide access to solar energy to its low-income customers.

“The Xcel Energy settlement is a momentous step forward for our state’s low-income energy consumers, and we’re proud to have been a part of it,” EOC Executive Director Skip Arnold said. “Many diverse organizations and parties came together to seek a common solution for delivering affordable energy for Coloradans, particularly those most vulnerable.”

Through the settlement approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, low-income households, which are typically disproportionately affected by time-of-use rates, will not be adversely affected by rates based on low- and high-demand periods. The settlement will ensure that low-income households in the state are able to access renewable energy and provides the most comprehensive access to solar energy for low-income communities in the country.

“We see this as a national model showing how utilities and solar developers can work together to expand energy access and, most importantly, guarantee solar benefits reach our low-income communities,” GRID Alternatives Colorado Executive Director Chuck Watkins said. “The settlement’s programs will reduce energy cost burdens for ratepayers most vulnerable to energy price shocks and drive economic growth through job training opportunities in the solar energy industry.”