New Energy Future In the News

DENVER -- A bill that would allow communities to help homeowners and businesses finance solar, wind and energy efficiency improvements won unanimous approval in the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

 

The bill (House Bill 1350) will allow people who invest in renewable energy and efficiency improvements to pay back loans through a property lien.

 

The bill now goes to the full House for debate. Rep. Alice Madden, D-Boulder, said more people would invest in high-priced improvements if they could afford it.

 

"Even with rebates, the average homeowner might not think they can afford to install energy efficiency or clean energy improvements in their homes," she said.

 

Pam Kiely, program director for Environment Colorado, a coalition of environmental groups, said homes and businesses can help themselves.

 

The bill won wide support from community leaders, who said it would allow them to promote their own energy efficiency programs, in addition to state programs promoted by Gov. Bill Ritter.

 

"Financing energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources has always been a challenge. The governor has asked every Coloradan to work with him in cutting the state's greenhouse gas emissions," said Boulder County Commissioner Will Toor.

 

Ken Regelson, spokesman for the Colorado Solar Energy Industry Association, said it costs about $24,000 for solar electric power systems and another $10,000 for solar hot water. They said some of the costs are covered by rebates. He said it's cheaper and better to install it in new homes while they are being built. "Retrofits are tough," he told the committee.