BEDA Tackles Energy Issues

Posted Sun, 04/25/2010 - 4:07pm

Why does BEDA care about energy?  A prosperous and resilient economy is built in part, on businesses and families who have the knowledge and ability to control their energy costs.  Our regional prosperity and personal security are linked to our ability to pay for heat, electricity, transportation and water. 

  • How can we take personal control of energy costs to ensure that we have dollars left to spend or save as we choose?  
  • How can we protect ourselves from future fluctuations in global energy prices? 
It is hard to keep track of what energy prices are doing. This graph from the Energy Information shows our dilemma:
 While the price of diesel has dropped from a peak of nearly $5.00 per gallon in August 2008, it has increased approximately 15% since July of 2009.  
 
The cyclical nature of energy pricing masks the increasing costs of energy and complicates budget planning. While large energy consumers have experts to help them navigate the unpredictable costs of energy, most of us are caught in the rising and falling tide of energy prices and unable to chart a clear course. Having a longer view helps us understand that planning for our energy futures is wise. The graph below shows a gradual quadrupling of propane prices over the last  17 years.
The desire for predictable energy costs provides an opportunity for business people and innovators; Appliance retailers sell energy star rated appliances.  Lighting specialists re-lamp commercial buildings. Insulation companies increase attic R-values.  Energy auditors track wayward energy. Manufacturers develop convenient wood burning boilers. Solar contractors harness the power of the sun.  Pellet manufacturers ship to regions dependent on fuel oil for heating.  Ingenious entrepreneurs develop technology to produce electricity, heat and liquid fuel from beetle kill and biomass.  From nanotechnology to common sense, the opportunities are bounded only by the laws of physics, the market place and our imagination.
  • What types of support do business owners and entrepreneurs in our region need to make the most of these opportunities? 
  • How can existing businesses take charge of their energy costs without incurring substantial capital costs?

We look forward to answering these questions with you and growing a prosperous and resilient business community. Grand County BEDA has been awarded a Community Energy Coordinator grant from the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office.   The grant provides resources to develop a strategic approach to energy use and to support energy related economic development.  BEDA will administer the grant for two years, providing service to Jackson and Grand County.