SE_HSCCR_2018A 03/14/2018 10:06:17 AM Committee Summary

Representative Hansen called the meeting to order; there was a quorum present. Representative Hansen read a brief opening statement regarding the scope of the committee and the topics that the committee will discuss. Representative Hansen discussed global carbon monoxide emissions in the United States and impacts of a 2017 Executive Order from Governor Hickenlooper on the state's emissions levels.

Representative Willett made comments regarding the committee and climate change. He discussed nuclear energy.

Representative Wist made comments regarding the committee. Representative Arndt and Representative Winter also made comments regarding the committee.

Bruce Ray, Director of Governmental and Regulatory Affairs, Johns Manville, introduced himself and gave the committee a brief background of Johns Manville. Johns Manville produces insulation systems, commercial roofing systems, and engineered products. Mr. Ray discussed the focus of the company, and stated that the company focuses on residential retrofit and is using energy efficiency for emissions reductions. Mr. Ray discussed the health benefits of energy efficiency and discussed how Johns Manville is implementing residential energy efficiency in insulation. Mr. Ray discussed a recent project in the Coachella Valley in California.

Mr. Ray responded to questions from the committee regarding the ozone standard and Johns Manville's industrial footprint. He also responded to questions regarding commercial roofing products produced by Johns Manville and policies that would advance energy efficiency in both the private and public sectors.

Taryn Finnessey, Department of Natural Resources, introduced herself to the committee and discussed Governor Hickenlooper's 2017 Executive order (EO) regarding climate change [Attachment A]. Ms. Finnessey discussed the directives found in the EO. The order called for 26 percent decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions statewide by 2025 and electricity savings of 2 percent per year by 2020 through cost-effective energy efficiency, among other provisions.  The EO also called on state agencies to work with public utilities or cooperatives that would like to maximize the use of renewable energy and directed the Colorado Energy Office, the Regional Air Quality Council, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to build out key charging corridors that will facilitate economic development and boost tourism using the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust.

Ms. Finnessey responded to questions from the committee.

Luke Ilderton, Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), introduced himself to the committee and provided a background of EOC. He stated that the mission of EOC is to ensure all Coloradans have access to affordable home energy. He described the EOC customers, which are low-income energy consumers. EOC provides utility bill assistance and energy efficiency services to residents making less than $2,000 per month. Mr. Ilderton discussed the process of EOC in assisting customers with utility bills and how EOC reduces energy consumption and low-income energy efficiency programs. He also discussed the benefits of low income energy programs that EOC provides, including the preservation of affordable housing and low-income utility demand-side management programs.

Mr. Ilderton responded to questions from the committee regarding EOC's investment in energy efficiency programs in regions across the state. Mr. Ilderton stated that EOC highest investments are in the high population areas in the state. He also responded to questions from the committee regarding unmet needs in the state and consistency in the funding for EOC. Mr. Ilderton discussed the decrease in funding due to the lack of funds in the Severance Tax Operational Fund, which provides moneys to EOC as a tier II program. He also responded to questions regarding energy efficiency affordable housing.

Fred Staffel, Black Hills Energy, introduced himself to the committee and provided an explanation of his role within Black Hills Energy.  He stated that his main role is to oversee energy efficiency programs and discussed Black Hill Energy's budget for energy efficiency programs in Colorado.  

Mr. Staffel responded to questions from the committee regarding liens on homes in southern Colorado from Black Hills Energy and the percentage of residential energy in Black Hills Energy's portfolio. He also responded to questions regarding energy efficiency in the industrial sector.

Heidi Morgan, Black Hills Energy, introduced herself to the committee and responded to questions from the committee.

Jud Moritz, Simple Energy, introduced himself to the committee and provided information about Simple Energy, which is a certified B corporation. He discussed the products and services Simple Energy provides, including online marketplaces, rebates-as-a-service applications, and utility applications.

Mr. Moritz responded to questions from the committee.

Jill Ryan, Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA), introduced herself to the committee and distributed information regarding CC4CA [Attachment B]. Ms. Ryan discussed recent changes in climate in mountain towns, such as Eagle and Beaver Creek. She discussed the importance of snowfall for mountain towns and headwater basins. She discussed the counties involved in CC4CA and the energy efficiency programs that CC4CA is involved in. Ms. Ryan discussed Colorado Affordable (CARE), and discussed the benefits of the program to customers. Ms. Ryan discussed policy recommendations, including a steady funding source for the federal weather and a study regarding the effectiveness of energy efficiency programs.

Ms. Ryan responded to questions from the committee regarding PACE funding and developing climate action plans in a nonpartisan manner. Ms. Ryan responded to further questions from the committee regarding the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization and the funding of CC4CA. Ms. Ryan stated that CC4CA is funded through membership dues and other sources.

Karen Guglielmone, CC4CA, Telluride, introduced herself to the committee and discussed the cities and counties she is representing. She discussed energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the town of Telluride and the importance of Telluride's status as a home-rule city in developing those programs. She distributed information regarding Eco Action Partners [Attachment C and D]

Ms. Guglielmone and Ms. Ryan responded to questions from the committee regarding local control in developing climate action plans and energy efficiency programs.

Will Toor, Southwestern Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), introduced himself to the committee. Mr. Toor discussed greenhouse gas emissions produced by transportation and SWEEP's electric vehicle program. Mr. Toor discussed EPA rules and potential changes to those rules (CAFE). He further discussed the increased prominence of electric vehicles (EVs) and the impacts of EVs on utility grids.

Mr. Toor responded to questions from the committee regarding CAFE standards and registration fees for EVs.

Michael Paskucci, Xcel Energy, introduced himself to the committee and discussed energy efficiency programs. He discussed Xcel Energy's low-income program and how much XCel Energy is investing in energy efficiency programs. He also discussed Xcel Energy's customer base and how many customers Xcel serves annually.

Mr. Pascucci responded to questions from the committee.

Ravi Malhotra, International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (ICAST), introduced himself to the committee and provided the committee with a background of ICAST. Mr. Malhotra responded to questions from the committee regarding policy recommendations. He stated that utility models should change and be tailored to goals of the utilities. He discussed the difference between efficiency and conservation in energy production. He responded to further questions regarding a change in utilities' business models.

Iain Hyde, Colorado Resiliency and Recovery Office (CRRO), introduced himself to the committee and provided a background of CRRO. He stated that CRRO has developed a definition of resiliency in the state. He discussed partners of the CRRO, including DNR and CEO, and the primary mission of CRRO. Mr. Hyde provided the committee with examples of programs that CRRO has implemented and efforts of recovery in towns impacted by weather events.

Mr. Hyde responded to questions from the committee regarding the funding of CRRO and the links between natural disasters and climate change impacts. He discussed the main climate concerns in Colorado, including drought, wildfires, and post-wildfire floods.