Energy Action Planning

Energy planning is about improving the way we use energy, reducing emissions and strengthening our local economy through smart planning.

It started with a resolution. The governments of the Gunnison Valley signed an agreement in 2007 pledging to work together on an energy planning process. 

Several years later, our region is armed with:

• An Upper Gunnison River Watershed Emissions Inventory
• A Lake Fork Valley Emissions Inventory
• A Gunnison County Energy Action Plan
• A City of Gunnison Energy Action Plan
• A Town of Crested Butte Energy Action Plan
• A Mt. Crested Butte Energy Action Plan
• A Multi-Jurisdictional Energy Action Plan

From these accomplishments, we've discovered that in the Upper Gunnison River Watershed we are emitting approximately 36 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per person.

Most of the region has formally or informally adopted the reduction target of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 -- either absolute or adjusted for growth.

This significant work could not have been accomplished without the dedicated Energy Action Planning Committees and the input of stakeholders and citizens at numerous events, such as the Energy Summit and the Energy Exchange.

Working Together

What's on the horizon now? Gunnison and Hinsdale county and municipal governments signed a 2011 Memorandum of Understanding - an update to the '07 Resolution - pledging to work together on plan implementation and energy programming.

ORE has also created the STRATEGY: A Guide for Regional Collaboration on Energy Programming.

Finally, ORE has formed an Energy Advisory Board with representation from stakeholders across the region, charged with overseeing and directing energy programming.