You have the power!

To determine our energy future…

Did you know that your electric company, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA), is a co-op?  You get to vote for the board of directors who make policies that determine the affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility of our electric system.  This is the greatest opportunity that you have as a citizen and consumer to move our country in a more sustainable direction, battle rising energy costs, and create local energy jobs.  visit PVPioneers to take more action!

The Problem

75% of our electricity is generated by burning coal.  This is a problem because of environmental damage and because the price of coal is on the rise and predicted to skyrocket in the near future.  Tri-State, our electric wholesaler is planning to build another coal plant, costing almost $1 Billion.  But in spite of rates going up, your energy bill can actually go down!

The Solution

Reducing waste is commonly recognized as the best way to cut energy bills and pollution.  Home Energy Efficiency (HEE) measures such as weatherization and efficient lighting can make a big difference (weatherization alone can save 32% for an average house according to U.S. Dept. of Energy.).  This also alleviates the need to build more power plants and buy more coal and natural gas.  Money spent on coal goes up in smoke.  Money invested in home efficiency increases the value of the home, creates jobs, and recirculates in the local economy.

The Strategy

Making your home energy efficient saves money in the long run but requires an upfront cash investment and the know how to get it done.  PVREA recognizes the importance of efficiency and invested about $140,000 last year to help members.  They also have about the best website around for helping with efficiency (www.pvrea.com).  They need to hear that members appreciate that and that we want them to take the next steps towards maximizing the potential of home energy efficiency. 

If each of us invests $1.00 per month on our electric bill PVREA could save $420,000 per year to invest in a Home Energy Efficiency program.  That’s enough to weatherize about 420 of the most inefficient homes and save 14 million kWh.  But the money is only half of the equation.  To maximize the potential of home energy efficiency to save money on bills, avoid the cost of a new coal plant, and reduce pollution PVREA also needs to set a specific goal and be proactive in identifying inefficient homes and assisting the homeowners in getting the job done. 

Write a short note to the PVREA board of directors.  Please personalize as much as possible.  Tell them that:

-You appreciate the work that PVREA has done to date on energy efficiency.

-You want a home energy efficiency program with specific goals for the territory.

-The program should identify and work with the least efficient homes first, and should be funded by a $1.00 per month line item on the electric bill.

-Details about the program and progress toward the goal should be posted on the website.