You have the power!

To determine our energy future…

Did you know that your electric company, Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA), is a co-op?  If you get an electric bill then you are a member, and you get to vote every other year for the board of directors.  The directors make policy decisions that determine the affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility of our electric system. 

This is the greatest opportunity that you have as a consumer to move our county in a more sustainable energy direction, battle rising energy costs, and create local energy jobs.

GCEA can reduce waste and lower bills by investing in home energy efficiency projects such as insulation, Compact Fluorescent Lights, and efficient appliances. This would be the best bang for our buck in terms of reducing pollution, lowering energy bills, and creating "Green collar" jobs.  After we maximizing the potential for efficiency, then it makes sense to invest in local renewable energy generation projects such as geothermal heat pumps, solar, wind, and hydro.

GCEA (www.GCEA.coop) and the Office for Resource Efficiency (www.resourceefficiency.org) have some excellent programs available.  These programs are funded primarily through grants and volunteer efforts and offer rebates and energy education.  The rebates help, but it can still cost several hundred dollars to upgrade a home to efficient status and often people least able to afford the upgrades occupy the older, more inefficient homes.  

As members of GCEA we can improve these programs.  If we dedicate an additional 2% of our monthly electric bill to a savings fund (under $2.00 per month on average), then GCEA can put away over $250,000 annually.  Combined with existing programs, that’s enough to upgrade about 500 of the most inefficient homes per year.  This is an investment in our community.  Lower energy bills mean more money available to spend in our local economy, and the upgrades will be performed by local businesses.  Over 60% of your electric bill goes to Tri-State (our wholesaler) and leaves the community.  Investing in efficiency keeps this money here where we can use it.

Write a short note to the GCEA board of directors

Say what you like and please personalize your letter.  They should hear that you want them to invest 2% of GCEA’s gross annual revenue into a fund specifically dedicated to home energy efficiency upgrades for the most inefficient homes in the GCEA territory.  Tell them that you are willing to pay a 2% rate increase if necessary.  Include your address.  It is important to ask them to reply to your letter, so that you know that they are listening and responding to your concerns. 

GCEA Board Of Director

P.O. Box 180

Gunnison, CO 81230-0180