Energy is shaping nearly every aspect of Colorado’s future, from the cost of doing business to the reliability of the grid that powers our homes, employers, and communities. Those topics took center stage at the Greater Arvada Chamber’s State of Energy Community Impact Forum, featuring keynote speaker Dan Haley, Executive Director of Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development (CRED), followed by a panel discussion with Jennifer Gremmert (Energy Outreach Colorado), Andrew Holder (Xcel Energy), Adam Weber (Pivot Energy), and Ray Rivera (Colorado Energy Crossroads).
Here are seven key takeaways from the morning’s discussion.
1. Energy Is the Foundation of Colorado’s Economy
Dan Haley opened the forum by reminding attendees that energy is far more than one sector of the economy: it enables every other industry to operate.
“Energy is not just a sector of the economy. It is the sector that enables every other sector.” — Dan Haley, Executive Director, Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development
Colorado’s economy depends on reliable energy to power manufacturing, healthcare, technology, agriculture, transportation, and small businesses alike. Haley also noted that Colorado ranks among the nation’s leading producers of oil, natural gas, and wind energy, giving the state a uniquely diverse energy portfolio.
Colorado’s Energy Landscape at a Glance
- 100% clean electricity goal by 2040
- #4 in U.S. oil production
- #7 in natural gas production
- #8 in wind generation
- 62% of projected demand growth from data centers
- 25–30% of households qualify for energy assistance
- 29% of Colorado’s electricity comes from natural gas; 29% comes from wind
2. Demand for Electricity Is Growing Rapidly
One of the biggest themes of the forum was that electricity demand is increasing much faster than many experts predicted just a few years ago. According to Haley’s presentation, Xcel Energy projects that data centers alone could account for 62% of future electricity demand growth and 72% of future peak demand growth in Colorado. Nationally, electricity consumption from data centers is projected to more than quadruple by 2030 as artificial intelligence and cloud computing continue to expand.
Rather than asking whether demand will grow, panelists focused on how Colorado can build enough generation and infrastructure to meet that demand while maintaining reliability and affordability.
3. Colorado’s Energy Mix Is Changing, Not Replacing One Source with Another
Colorado’s electricity portfolio continues to evolve. According to Haley’s presentation, natural gas and wind each generate roughly 29% of the state’s electricity, while coal continues to decline as renewable energy and battery storage expand.
Adam Weber of Pivot Energy discussed how battery storage is becoming an increasingly important tool for improving grid reliability and maximizing renewable energy production. The discussion highlighted that Colorado’s future energy system will rely on multiple technologies working together rather than a single energy source replacing another.
4. Reliability and Affordability Must Remain Priorities
Building a cleaner energy system also means ensuring it remains reliable and affordable for businesses and families. Andrew Holder of Xcel Energy emphasized that utilities consider affordability in every investment decision.
“The question that wakes us up every morning is: Do we want our customers to be choosing between their grocery bill or their energy bill?” — Andrew Holder, Director of Community Relations & Local Government Affairs, Xcel Energy
Jennifer Gremmert added that affordability remains a daily challenge for many Colorado households.
“We’re fortunate to have relatively low energy costs in Colorado, but for families who can’t afford them, they’re still unaffordable.” — Jennifer Gremmert, CEO, Energy Outreach Colorado
5. Infrastructure Will Determine Colorado’s Energy Future
Generating electricity is only part of the solution. Colorado must also expand transmission lines, substations, and distribution infrastructure to keep pace with population growth, business expansion, and increasing electrification.
Haley’s presentation highlighted that the U.S. electric grid will require hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure investment over the coming decades to support growing demand.
For businesses, these investments will influence everything from economic development and site selection to long-term operating costs.
6. Energy Affects More Than Utility Bills
The panel discussed how energy impacts housing affordability, workforce stability, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. Jennifer Gremmert shared that roughly one-quarter to one-third of Colorado households qualify for energy assistance, underscoring the financial pressure many families continue to experience.
“There’s never enough funding. The need is really, really high.” — Jennifer Gremmert, CEO, Energy Outreach Colorado
Panelists agreed that helping residents and businesses manage energy costs will require continued investment in efficiency, customer assistance programs, and long-term planning.
7. Collaboration Will Shape What’s Next
Despite representing different sectors of the energy landscape, panelists consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“Nobody wakes up and says, ‘I wish my electric bill was higher.'” — Ray Rivera, Coalition Director, Colorado Energy Crossroads
The conversation demonstrated that Colorado’s energy future will require utilities, businesses, policymakers, nonprofits, and community leaders to work together to balance affordability, reliability, innovation, and sustainability.
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