Green energy jobs are coming to Colorado

Colorado is the latest state to see gains in green energy jobs. Xcel Energy is planning to shut down coal-fired generators and switch to cleaner running natural gas. The company filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to close one plant five years ahead of schedule. Then, the Solar Foundation announced that solar companies would increase hiring by 23% during the next year.

This is all good news, right? Not according to the Colorado Independent Energy Association. The group, apparently backed by the coal and mining industry, says that the move to alternative energy sources will result in higher consumer prices and reduced reliability.


Closing Coal Plants in Colorado

The Cherokee 4 coal-fired plant is scheduled to be shuttered in 2022. However, Xcel Energy recently announced its intent to close the plant, located north of Denver, in 2017, five years earlier than expected. The change of plans comes on the heels of the recently enacted Colorado Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act.

As part of the legislation, Xcel receives financial incentives in exchange for a $1.3billion program of phasing out coal-fueled plants in favor of cleaner burning natural gas. The program targets plants in Boulder and Denver for conversion while facilities in Brush and Hayden would be upgraded to reduce pollution.

While environmentalists applaud the move, some consumer groups aren’t so sure. Led by the Colorado Independent Energy Association and members of the coal-mining industry, critics point to the program’s price tag as a reason to pull back on the conversion of coal-powered plants. According to Xcel, customers can expect to see their bills rise by 1.5% to compensate for the conversion costs.


Solar Energy Jobs in Colorado

Also in response to the Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act, solar jobs in Colorado are expected to increase in the next decade. Legislation was introduced to increase the renewable energy standard for the state to 30% by 2020. That means that by 2020, Colorado utility companies will have to generate at least 30% of their energy from renewable sources.

According to bill sponsor, Representative Max Tyler, Colorado receives 300 days of sunshine each year making solar energy a natural for the state. Washington D.C. based Solar Foundation issued a report that supported the assertion that solar energy has potential as a viable energy source in Colorado. The foundation estimates that solar companies will increase their hiring by 23% in the upcoming year.

Despite objections from the coal and mining industry, it appears that the pendulum has swung toward renewable energy within the utility industry. There is little doubt that both state and local governments will continue to push for utilities to become more green. The focus on hiring in utility jobs will undoubtedly favor those who have expertise in these emerging energy sources.


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Maryalene LaPonsie is an accomplished writer who has extensive experience reporting on education, career advancement and workforce development topics. She specializes in sales and marketing consultation as well as general copywriting services.