As Colorado's Energy Demands Grow, CSU Helps Lawmakers Find Solutions

Colorado’s growing electricity demand is forcing state legislators to seek new ways to maintain affordable and reliable power.

To address these shifting needs, lawmakers and legislative staff have begun participating in the inaugural Colorado Energy Policy Academy (CEPA) to explore emerging technologies and grid optimization strategies.

The academy, hosted by the Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE), held its first two sessions in Denver and Fort Collins. These meetings brought together policy experts and state officials to discuss the economic and technical pressures facing the state's energy sector.

Participants toured Colorado State University’s Energy Institute at the Powerhouse Energy Campus and the Methane Emissions Testing and Evaluation Center (METEC) to see local innovation in action.

“CNEE’s convenings typically take place at the national and regional levels, so our team was particularly proud to focus our expertise and work with policymakers in our home state,” said Alexandra Evans, a CNEE policy analyst and organizer of CEPA.

The discussions centered on the tension between increasing electricity consumption and the desire to keep utility costs low for residents and businesses. As Colorado grows, the ability to integrate new technologies into an aging or evolving grid becomes a primary concern for those drafting state policy.

Managing rising electricity costs

Experts at the academy highlighted several pathways to stabilize the system. Wendy Jaglom-Kurtz, a U.S. program manager at RMI, guided attendees through the primary drivers of electricity system costs. She discussed how setting clearly defined policy goals could help support both immediate affordability and long-term reforms for utility systems.

One way to reduce the need for expensive new infrastructure is through flexible consumption. Tim Profeta of Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability demonstrated how large facilities with high electricity demands can use flexible strategies. By adjusting when they use power, these large-scale consumers can support the broader electric system and potentially lower overall costs for everyone.

Other technological solutions involve decentralizing the grid. Ted Ko, executive director of the Energy Policy Design Institute (EPDI), discussed how integrating distributed energy resources and using emerging technologies, such as virtual power plants, can benefit communities. These tools can help reduce individual electricity bills while providing essential value to the grid as a whole.

Innovation at the Powerhouse Energy Campus

The academy also provided a look at the physical infrastructure and research driving the sector. During a tour of the Powerhouse Energy Campus, Jason Quinn, operating director and interim executive director of the Energy Institute, led participants through the university’s research efforts.

The university is also preparing for future industrial needs. Josh Peterson, senior vice president of strategy and operations at CSU STRATA, shared details regarding the forthcoming Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science (ATLAS) facility. Peterson noted the facility’s potential to contribute to both the energy sector and Colorado’s workforce development.

At the Methane Emissions Testing and Evaluation Center (METEC), participants watched on-site testing of natural gas infrastructure. The tour highlighted new approaches to detecting and mitigating emissions, which researchers suggest could reduce costs for both energy companies and their customers.

Preparing for the 2027 legislative session

The 2026 Colorado Energy Policy Academy is scheduled to conclude in December. The final sessions will focus on the role of clean, firm power in supporting grid reliability and optimization. These discussions are intended to give legislators and staff a foundation of technical knowledge as they begin preparations for the 2027 legislative session.

Xcel Energy requests extra $100 million to meet energy demands in Colorado this summer — CBS Colorado

The program builds on previous CNEE initiatives, including the Clean Energy Legislative Academy and the Regional Energy Academy, which aim to connect policymakers with subject matter experts. The academy seeks to address large electricity loads and strategies to prevent rising energy costs as the industry changes.

“This was an excellent opportunity to highlight Colorado energy experts and our university partners at the Energy Institute and connect them with lawmakers looking to make a difference in the energy arena,” Evans said.