Efficiency Tips for Residential Well Pumps

A vintage hand water pump with a curved handle fills a metal bucket with water. The pump is situated on a cobblestone path surrounded by greenery.

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

Aerial view of a large industrial power plant with tall smokestacks, surrounded by vast green fields and roads.

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

Person plugging an electric vehicle into a charging station at sunrise, with trees and a house in the background.

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

Wind turbines in a field at sunset with an orange and pink sky.

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

Man in striped shirt and yellow pants adjusts string lights in a garden with wooden fencing and greenery.

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

A hand adjusts the temperature on a Honeywell Home ProSeries thermostat set to 68 degrees.

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

Wind turbines situated on a grassy hill with a vast ocean in the background under a clear blue sky.

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

Man in camouflage and cap sitting in a wheelchair outdoors at sunset, resting chin on hands. "No Barriers" text in the foreground.

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 […]

Hello Hydropower Energy

A rustic wooden cabin stands on a rocky cliff beside a flowing stream, surrounded by lush autumn trees and mountain scenery under a clear sky.

By Kylee Coleman Electricity generated from hydropower tells an interesting story about today’s energy trends that’s deeper than just water flowing over a dam. It’s a story about a renewable resource that once generated nearly a third of the nation’s electricity — a share that has declined dramatically over the decades with the rise of […]

USDA Investment for Rural Electric Infrastructure

Dirt road lined with power poles extending into the distance through golden fields under a cloudy sky.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced its $2.7 billion investment for rural electric infrastructure. Through the Electric Loan Program, the USDA will invest in 64 projects across 26 states, benefiting nearly 2 million rural people and businesses. Two Colorado electric co-ops will receive funds to improve and expand its infrastructure from this program. Sangre de […]