Colorado Co-ops Recognized for Reaching Cybersecurity Goals
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association recognized 20 electric cooperatives at its second annual Co-op Cyber Tech Conference in May. Three Colorado electric co-ops were among the group. The co-ops met 10 cybersecurity goals under the national association’s new voluntary program that helps co-ops advance their cybersecurity posture. In a brief ceremony in May, representatives […]
The Basics of Residential Solar
By Amy Higgins The sun has powered lives since our predecessors used glass to reflect the sun’s rays and create fire. Over the centuries, the sun’s power potential was further realized, altered and adapted to its present form where solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity. Today, people across the globe are installing residential solar […]
Efficiency Tips for Residential Well Pumps
By Miranda Boutelle Q: I get my water supply from my own well. How can I use less electricity with my well? A: The energy a residential well system uses depends on the equipment and water use. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining the well, ensuring drinking water is safe and paying for the electricity […]
Greenhouse Gas Removal Terminology
By Paul Wesslund What if instead of letting greenhouse gases escape from power plants, you could grab that carbon dioxide before it even reaches the atmosphere? It’s a simple idea that’s getting a lot more attention as concerns grow over the effects of burning fossil fuels that power many industries and generate a large share […]
Longevity of EV Batteries
Many electric vehicle owners wonder about the longevity of EV batteries in their cars. And we’re not just talking about range. The lithium-ion batteries that run EVs can make up 50%-70% of an EV’s value — and if the battery dies, so does the car. While lithium-ion batteries have been studied a lot over the […]
Colorado’s Ranking in Wind Energy
A recent release from Climate Central’s “WeatherPower Year in Review: 2022” reports that electricity generated from solar and wind grew 16% from 2021, with wind accounting for roughly 74% of that growth. The report also states the 683,130 gigawatt-hours generated across the country from renewable power generation resources were enough to power 64 million average […]
Efficient Outdoor Lighting Tips
By James Dulley Q: We’re considering adding more outdoor lighting for entertaining and better security. What are some efficient lighting tips? A: It’s a great time of year to think about making outdoor lighting improvements. With energy-efficient LED bulbs, it is easy to light your outdoor space effectively without driving up your electric bills. You […]
Easy Behavior Changes to Save Energy
By Miranda Boutelle Q: I want to lower my energy use, but I don’t know where to start. How can I find out how much energy I use? How can I save energy? You can change your energy use by changing your behavior. When looking at electric bills, many people focus on the total dollar […]
Turbine Recycling Advancements
The wind industry is facing the growing challenge of finding ways to dispose of turbine parts. Nearly 85% of turbine components — steel, copper wire, electronics — can be reused and repurposed, according to Bloomberg Green, but there’s always been the dilemma about what to do with the difficult-to-transport and tough-to-recycle fiberglass blades. Wind turbines […]
CoBank: No Barriers Warriors Program Renewed
CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, renewed its No Barriers Warriors program for rural veterans with disabilities. In partnership with Colorado-based nonprofit No Barriers USA, CoBank sponsors a series of four expeditions each year, covering the full cost of participation for up to 50 […]