Pueblo City Council set a goal this week to become fully powered by renewable energy by 2035, joining two other Colorado cities with similar commitments.
Supporters of the move, announced Monday, say it will have positive environmental and economical impacts on a city that is already increasing its sources of renewable energy. They also say it raises the bar for cities across the state and nation
“We’re right at the forefront, and it’s better to lead than to follow,” Pueblo city councilman Larry Atencio said.
The city has a history in mining and steel production, but leaders have been focusing on renewables in recent years, Atencio said. Pueblo is home to a plant for Denmark-based Vestas, one of the world’s largest wind turbine makers. Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District is planning to build a $12 million hydroelectric generation facility at Pueblo Dam that will be capable of producing 7.5 megawatts. The city also has community solar gardens.
The resolution states the city plans to reduce the demand for electricity through energy-efficient public infrastructure, businesses, residences and appliances. The city aims to involve and educate citizens about renewable energy, and will work to ensure low-income residents reap the benefits.
In its proposal, the city recognized that it does not have the authority to determine what power sources its utility uses. But city leaders say Pueblo can isolate power sources by generating its own power, purchasing wholesale power and aggregating utility service, among other options.
“The resolution itself really doesn’t mandate anything,” Atencio said. “What it does more than anything is say the city of Pueblo is considering and promoting renewable energy and we ask that the rest of the state follows.”
To meet its goal by 2035, the city is in part relying on its utility, Rapid City, S.D.-based Black Hills Energy, to meet its own goal of 65 percent generation from renewable energy by 2035, up from the current 26 percent. It’s also putting its chips in the coming hydroelectric facility.
In a statement, Black Hills said it’s prepared to help Pueblo reach its goals, pointing to its 29-megawatt Busch Ranch Wind Farm and the recently built 60 MW Peak View Wind Project as tools to do so.
