Press Room

Smart-Grid Technology Will Create Jobs and Lower Utility Bills

Tuesday, March 23 2010

Bill will prepare Colorado for implementing 21st century technology

DENVER— To ensure Colorado’s energy needs are maintained in future years, Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora) is leading strong bipartisan effort to update energy delivery systems. Sen. Williams is sponsoring legislation to create the Colorado Smart Grid Task Force (CSGTF) to study the state’s infrastructure and develop policy recommendations to make the transition to a secure, resilient, and highly functional Smart Grid in Colorado. The current electric grid is outdated and does not meet the evolving energy needs of Colorado’s residents.

“With energy needs increasing by as much as 40% in the next 25 years, we need to get our current grid up-to-date,” noted Sen. Williams. “Colorado is experiencing a rapid increase in technological advance and if we don’t expand our infrastructure now, we will pay for it later.”

Sen. Williams’ bill, SB 10-180, will create a task force to examine the technical and policy issues related to smart grid technology.

For every $1 million of investment in the clean technology industry, approximately 12.5 jobs will be created in the Smart Grid sector. Additionally, Smart Grid technology will drive down household energy costs, as new technology will add increased efficiency. For example, smart grid technology allows consumers to make use of “time-of-use” pricing to decrease rates by 8-12%

“This task force will ensure Colorado’s energy needs are met in an efficient and environmentally conscious way. With advanced metering technology, dynamic systems control, and efficient building systems, technological progress has already begun to impact the energy delivery industry. Our state needs to get on board.”