Report: Monthly electric bills would increase $448 a month under Gov. Polis' energy plan
Colorado electricity customers could face a monthly cost increase of $448 by 2040 if the state's 100% renewable energy mandate is implemented, according to a report by free-market research groups. The report, titled "Colorado's Energy Future: The High Cost of 100% Renewable Electricity by 2040," projects that average monthly electric bills for residential, commercial, and industrial customers will rise to $628 in the next 17 years.
A 46-page analysis, conducted by the Independence Institute and the Center of the American Experiment, evaluates the financial and reliability impacts of Colorado’s climate policies. It is the first in a three-part series on renewable energy mandates.
The report estimates that Governor Jared Polis’s goal of transitioning the state to a fully renewable electric grid—powered by wind, solar, and batteries—by 2040 will cost $318.8 billion by 2050. It also warns of potential blackouts due to fluctuating energy generation from renewable sources.
Polis has made the transition to renewable energy a key policy focus and has signed over 55 climate-related bills into law. Recently, he enacted Senate Bill 23-285, renaming the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to the Energy and Carbon Management Commission, and two other bills supporting clean hydrogen projects and carbon management grants.
The report suggests that Colorado could meet its decarbonization goals more affordably by transitioning to nuclear energy, which would cost an estimated $88.4 billion through 2050, compared to the $318.8 billion price tag of renewable energy. Under this nuclear scenario, the average monthly electricity bill would rise to $122 instead of $628.
Colorado’s electricity prices have already increased 70% over the last 19 years, making them the highest in the Mountain West. The state was the first to adopt a renewable portfolio standard when voters passed Amendment 37 in 2004.
Harnessing the Sun, One Rooftop at a Time
CSU researchers discover that crops grown under solar panels produce higher yields due to the shade provided, while the plants, in turn, help cool the panels, enhancing their electricity generation efficiency.
Researchers at Colorado State University's Spur Campus in Denver are breaking new ground in sustainable urban development by integrating solar panels with rooftop gardens, an innovative practice known as agrivoltaics. This approach seeks to maximize the benefits of rooftop spaces in urban settings by combining renewable energy generation, food production, and environmental management.
Led by Assistant Professor Jennifer Bousselot, the project showcases how solar panels and green roofs can work in tandem to create a harmonious, mutually beneficial system. The team is cultivating a variety of crops, including chili peppers, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, directly beneath the solar panels. The setup demonstrates how solar infrastructure and vegetation can coexist to address multiple challenges faced by urban areas, such as food insecurity, energy demands, and climate resilience.
One of the significant advantages of this system is its ability to shield plants from extreme heat. The solar panels provide a much-needed layer of shade, creating a cooler microclimate that promotes plant growth and reduces water evaporation. This protection is particularly vital in urban areas where temperatures can soar due to the heat island effect. Meanwhile, the plants offer reciprocal benefits by naturally cooling the solar panels, which increases their efficiency in generating electricity. Solar panels tend to lose efficiency when they overheat, so the cooling effect of vegetation helps optimize energy production.
Additionally, the integration of vegetation into rooftop spaces contributes to better stormwater management. Green roofs are known to absorb and slow down rainwater, reducing the burden on urban drainage systems. When combined with solar panels, these benefits are amplified, creating a multipurpose solution for dense city environments.
This project at CSU Spur Campus is more than just an academic experiment; it is a model for sustainable urban living. By demonstrating the feasibility of agrivoltaics, the researchers aim to inspire wider adoption of similar systems in cities across the globe. This approach addresses pressing issues such as climate change, urban heat, and the need for locally produced food, all while contributing to the growing demand for renewable energy. The initiative exemplifies how innovative thinking can turn unused urban spaces into thriving hubs of sustainability.
Roofing Scams 101: What Every Colorado Homeowner Needs to Know. Avoid the Most Common Roofing Scams.
Colorado homeowners are no strangers to severe weather, with hailstorms and high winds often leaving roofs in need of repair or replacement. Unfortunately, these situations create prime opportunities for unscrupulous contractors to take advantage of unsuspecting residents. Roofing scams are on the rise, but being informed can help you avoid costly mistakes. Here’s a look at the most common roofing scams in Colorado and how you can protect yourself.
1. Storm Chaser Scams
How it Works: Scammers follow storms and offer quick repairs or replacements at low costs. They often target neighborhoods recently hit by hail, wind, or other weather-related damage.
Red Flags:
They insist on starting work immediately without an inspection.
They request payment upfront or claim they’ll handle your insurance claim without your involvement.
Impact: Poor-quality work or incomplete repairs leave you with more damage over time.
2. Insurance Fraud Scams
How it Works: Scammers offer to “cover your deductible” or promise to work directly with your insurance company to maximize the claim. They inflate damage reports or even create damage to the roof to secure a larger payout.
Red Flags:
They offer to pay your deductible.
They advise you to falsify details in your insurance claim.
Impact: Legal trouble for insurance fraud or voided coverage.
3. Low Initial Bids/Upcharges
How it Works: A contractor quotes a very low price to secure the job, then adds unexpected costs mid-project, claiming unforeseen issues.
Red Flags:
Unclear or vague contracts.
Requests for additional payments without evidence of extra work.
Impact: Significantly higher costs than originally quoted..
4. Unlicensed or Uninsured Contractors
How it Works: Unlicensed individuals pose as contractors, often offering cheap services. They may perform substandard work or disappear before completing the job.
Red Flags:
No license or proof of insurance.
Refusal to provide references or a written contract.
Impact: Liability falls on the homeowner for injuries or damages caused during the project.
5. Partial Repair Scams
How it Works: Contractors claim only a part of the roof is damaged and offer to patch it rather than replace it. The work is often cosmetic and doesn’t address underlying issues.
Red Flags:
Pushing repairs instead of a full assessment.
No warranty or guarantee provided.
Impact: Short-lived repairs lead to more expensive damage later.
6. Vanishing Down Payment
How it Works: The contractor requests a large down payment for materials but never returns to start or complete the work.
Red Flags:
Asking for large upfront payments.
No physical business address or contact information.
Impact: You lose the down payment and have no work completed.
7. Material Substitution Scams
How it Works: Contractors promise high-quality materials but use substandard or cheaper materials instead, compromising the roof’s durability.
Red Flags:
Refusal to provide proof of materials or let you inspect them.
Significant discrepancies between quoted and delivered materials.
Impact: Reduced lifespan and increased likelihood of future damage
9. Pre-Damage Claims
How it Works: Scammers claim your roof has significant damage that needs immediate repair, even if it doesn’t. They may fabricate damage during inspections or use vague terms to confuse homeowners.
Red Flags:
Contractors suggest damage that you can’t verify or see for yourself.
They avoid involving a third-party inspector.
Impact: Unnecessary repairs cost thousands, or worse, your roof is deliberately damaged
10. Storm Damage Impersonation
How it Works: Scammers dress in official-looking uniforms, claiming to represent your insurance company, FEMA, or a government agency offering free inspections. They use this guise to gain trust and upsell repairs.
Red Flags:
Unsolicited visits after a storm with claims of being from an official agency.
Lack of official credentials or direct contact from your insurance provider.
Impact: You pay for unnecessary or poor-quality work while the scammers disappear.
11. “Leftover Materials” Scam
How it Works: A contractor claims they have leftover materials from a nearby project and can offer a significant discount for using them. The work is often rushed, subpar, and doesn’t meet your roof’s specifications.
Red Flags:
Offers too good to be true.
No written estimate or contract.
Impact: The roof may not meet code requirements, leading to expensive future repairs.
12. Ghost Contractors
How it Works: Scammers create fake businesses or websites that appear legitimate. Once they collect deposits, they vanish, leaving no way to contact them.
Red Flags:
No physical office or verifiable references.
Poor website design with minimal contact information.
Impact: You lose your deposit with no way to recover it.
13. Quick Patch Jobs
How it Works: Contractors provide only temporary fixes instead of addressing the root of the problem, knowing you’ll need further repairs soon.
Red Flags:
Repairs are completed unusually quickly.
No detailed explanation of the work done.
Impact: You end up paying for more extensive repairs later.
14. Fake Free Inspections
How it Works: Scammers offer a free inspection but fabricate or exaggerate damage to secure a costly repair or replacement contract.
Red Flags:
Contractors refuse to show evidence of damage (photos or videos).
Pressure to sign a repair contract immediately after the inspection.
Impact: You’re tricked into paying for unnecessary work.
15. Payment Redirection Scams
How it Works: Scammers impersonate a legitimate contractor and ask you to send payments to a different account. By the time you realize the fraud, your money is gone.
Red Flags:
Requests for wire transfers or payments to a new account without clear communication from the contractor.
Sudden changes in payment methods.
Impact: Your payment goes to scammers, not the actual contractor.
16. Fly-By-Night Operations
How it Works: Temporary businesses pop up after storms, offering repairs at a discount. Once the work is done, they disappear, and you’re left with no way to enforce warranties or address issues.
Red Flags:
No permanent office or local presence.
Contractors disappear when contacted for follow-ups.
Impact: You have no recourse for poor-quality work.
17. Non-Permit Work
How it Works: Scammers skip the permit process to save time and money, completing roofing work that may not meet building codes.
Red Flags:
Contractors insist permits aren’t necessary.
Work starts immediately without city approval.
Impact: Fines, insurance issues, and code violations that require costly corrections.
How to Protect Yourself from Roofing Scams?
Do Your Homework: Research contractors thoroughly. Check reviews, verify licenses, and confirm insurance.
Demand a Written Contract: Ensure the agreement includes detailed timelines, costs, and materials.
Avoid Large Upfront Payments: A reputable contractor will request payment in stages as work progresses.
Work with Local Contractors: Storm chasers often disappear after completing subpar work, while local companies are more likely to honor warranties and provide follow-up services.
The Bottom Line
Roofing scams are a persistent problem in Colorado, especially after severe weather events. By staying vigilant, verifying contractors, and understanding common scams, you can protect your home and your wallet. Don’t let scammers take advantage of you—take the time to find a trustworthy, licensed roofer to ensure your roof is repaired or replaced properly.