A Thornton effort to create a more resilient community through energy advances is kicking off with work to create an energy vision and goals for the next 10 years and beyond.
The city worked with Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program to develop the city’s first Energy Action Plan in 2019, according Thornton Deputy Infrastructure Director Emily Hunt.
“The plan lays out a broad framework of strategies to increase participation in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by 30% by 2022, with a longer-term goal to align with state climate commitments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030,” Hunt said in a written statement.
A 2019 energy use study found that the city of Thornton and the community as a whole spent $89 million on energy bills in 2018. Representatives from Thornton, Adams 12 Five Star School District, United Power, and GRID Alternatives worked in collaboration to define the energy vision, goals and strategies that are customized for Thornton’s community values.
By following a plan, Thornton aims to save more than two-million kWh of electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 27,000 conventional vehicles off the road by 2022.
“The path forward includes energy improvements in Thornton city facilities and operations, partnerships with institutions in Thornton, and outreach to residents and businesses to encourage energy efficiency practices and the adoption of renewable energy,” Hunt said.
The full Energy Action Plan is available online at thorntonsustainability.com. For more information visit www.ThorntonCO.gov.