Colorado's energy consumption has increased 16% per capita since 1986 and is projected to increase 20% over the next five years. However, the State of Colorado is committed to the construction of the facilities necessary for the generation and transmission of electricity, and works at the local level to ensure that power plants and transmission lines are sited in a way that balances Colorado's quality of life with the electric power production that makes that quality of life possible.Power, either natural gas or electricity, is provided by the Public Service Company of Colorado, now known as Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the nation's fourth largest utility company serving both electricity and natural gas customers. Formed in August 2000 by the merger of Minneapolis-based Northern States Power Co. and Denver-based New Century Energies, Xcel Energy serves 12 states. Xcel Energy recently earned Electric Light & Power Magazine's Utility of the Year Award. Xcel owns 62% of the power sources and the remainder is purchased through long-term contracts. Xcel Energy has ensured that it has taken the necessary steps to meet Colorado's energy requirements using the PUC Integrated Resource Planning Rules. Not only are Colorado and the Grand Junction area able to meet your energy needs, we also compare favorably regarding cost. In 1997 Colorado ranked 28th in terms of expense. It was less expensive than other states such as Arizona, California and Florida (Source: Dept of Energy).
In the Grand Valley, the 30 year average for heating degree days is 5,548.
In the Grand Valley, the 30 year average for cooling degree days is 1,183.