CORE Electric Shifts to Cleaner, Cheaper Power Alternatives
CORE Electric Cooperative is working on renewable energy resources that will help businesses with sustainability goals.
Sponsored by: Core Electric Cooperative
When its members talk, CORE Electric Cooperative listens.
Stephen Figueroa, CORE’s commercial operations director, says business and residential customers want more than just affordable, reliable power.
“Our members are interested in ensuring that we are aggressively trying to reach state-mandated carbon goals,” Figueroa explains.
“By 2030, we need to reduce our carbon output by 80% of our 2005 baseline. So, we really wanted to be in the driver’s seat and get out in front of that objective.”
To meet these goals, CORE is taking steps to roll out a trio of renewable energy sources — wind, solar and battery storage — in 2026. Currently, 60% of its power supply comes from coal, a carbon-intensive fuel.
The shift will allow the Colorado cooperative to better control costs.
“It’s actually less expensive,” Figueroa says. “When you compare the free fuel associated with wind and solar right next to the investment that goes along with coal resources, there’s a clear advantage on a per-megawatt hour cost of the renewable resources. It’s going to help ensure rate stability.”
To enhance the reliability of the new system when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine, CORE will use natural gas as a backup, just like a hybrid car pulls from its gasoline supply when the batteries run low.
The transition to renewable resources will also help businesses accomplish their sustainability goals and alleviate pressure to meet environmental mandates.
“I look at CORE as already being ahead of the ball a bit here,” says Angie Bedolla, CORE’s local government and business relations manager. “In Adams County alone, we have over 90 megawatts from solar farms, and we’re looking to expand our solar and battery storage 100 to 150 megawatts by 2025.”
As a member-owned utility, CORE tailors creative power solutions for new and existing businesses. In 2022, the co-op also began compiling site due diligence documentation to help companies considering a move to CORE service territory in Adams County.
“We’re happy to have conversations with existing and prospective businesses to see what their needs are for their development, then tailor solutions to meet their electricity needs,” Bedolla adds.
The upcoming switch to cleaner energy will also set CORE apart as a leader in sustainable power distribution.
“There is a big lift ahead for all the utilities in the area,” Figueroa says. “CORE is showing the rest of the region what it looks like and what they can do to copy our lead.”
Amber King, CORE communications manager, echoes that sentiment.
“We are innovating what a cooperative utility can be. We’re excited to see this plan come to fruition to show that we have our members’ best interests at heart.”
