• On April 30, 2009, SWEEP released a new study titled Energy Efficiency and Job Creation in Colorado. The study finds that increasing the efficiency of electricity, natural gas, and gasoline use could lead to a net increase of 4,660 jobs in Colorado by 2015 and 11,600 jobs by 2025.
• On March 12, 2009, the Utah State Legislature approved HJR 9, a joint resolution promoting cost-effective energy efficiency programs implemented by utilities. The resolution recognizes energy efficiency as a priority resource for Utah and encourages the removal of financial disincentives that utilities face when offering efficiency programs to their customers in saving energy. For a copy of HJR 9, click here.
• On March 2, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed SB 108, the so-called FASTER transportation bill. The bill includes dedicated funding for mass transit systems, a pilot program to investigate VMT- and CO2 emission-based fees as a revenue source for the state's transportation system, and authority to establish user fees on major highways. SWEEP worked with environmental groups to ensure these progressive provisions were included.
• On January 5, 2009, the New Mexico Energy, Mineral and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), announced the release of a new report titled New Mexico Energy Efficiency Strategy: Policy Options. The report, prepared by SWEEP at the request of EMNRD, examines 25 policy options that together can cut energy use per capita in New Mexico 20 percent by 2020. For a copy of the study, click here. For a copy of the press release issued by EMNRD, click here.
• On December 18, 2008, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) granted final approval to the 2009-2010 demand-side management (DSM) program plan submitted by Xcel Energy and other parties to a Settlement Agreement filed with the PUC in October. The plan calls for a major expansion of the energy efficiency programs that Xcel Energy will offer to its customers. Xcel Energy plans to invest $63 million in DSM programs in 2009 and $80 million in 2020, and estimates that its customers will realize $450 million in net economic benefits as a result. On our site you can read SWEEP's press release and details on the Settlement Agreement approved by the PUC.
• In December 2008, SWEEP published “Going Beyond Code: A Guide to Creating Energy Efficient and Sustainable Buildings in the Southwest." The Guide is designed to help state and local governments design and implement successful “beyond code” programs for new commercial and residential buildings in the Southwest.
• On November 13 and 14, 2008, regional and national energy efficiency professionals gathered in Denver to discuss the state of energy efficiency in the Southwest. Click here to learn more about SWEEP's Fifth Annual Regional Energy Efficiency Workshop.

The Intermountain RAC is providing application assistance, technology information, and educational support to those interested in combined heating, cooling, and power (CHP) systems.

Visit the Intermountain RAC's website at www.IntermountainCHP.org to learn more about what we do, dig deeper into Combined Heat and Power, access technical- and policy-related resources, and view presentations from our May 2006 CHP Summit.