As Coloradans increasingly adopt green energy solutions, the state's power grid is under significant strain from rising electricity demand. The Colorado Energy Office reports that 9% of the state's energy now comes from solar, 16% of new vehicles sold are electric, and over 61,000 homes have replaced gas furnaces with electric heat pumps.

State Senator Chris Hansen emphasized the importance of updating the grid to handle this surge in demand: “It’s an exciting time for environmental improvements and consumer cost savings, but our grid must keep pace with these changes.”

In response, Sen. Hansen and Senate President Steve Fenberg have introduced a bill aimed at overhauling the electricity grid. The proposed legislation seeks to inject immediate investment into the grid over the next two years and establish a long-term planning process.

Despite significant investments in clean energy generation and transmission, the distribution system—lines connecting substations to transformers and homes—has lagged behind in updates.

“This bill will help us get ahead of the curve and ensure we upgrade the grid at the right time,” Hansen noted. He estimates the overhaul will cost billions and require hundreds of thousands of electricians.

Nathaniel Gutierrez from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers highlighted the current shortage of skilled labor, with Colorado having approximately 850 linemen and relying on additional help from out-of-state workers. To address this, the bill includes $800,000 to fund apprenticeships for linemen.

“Upgrading the grid involves more than just new transformers; it requires a complete overhaul and reconductoring of our systems,” Gutierrez explained.

While the grid upgrades might increase electric bills initially, Hansen argues that it will save money in the long run by ensuring a reliable and efficient electricity grid: “This bill will put us in a leadership position, demonstrating how to achieve a low-emission transition that benefits customers.”

The bill mandates that utilities like Xcel Energy submit plans for upgrading their distribution systems to the Public Utilities Commission. It has already received initial approval in the Senate.

Source: msn.com