Transitioning our Energy Grid
Denver's Energy Transition Goal
Our goal is to transition the city's electricity grid to 100% renewable. We are taking action to make sure that this happens quickly and equitably. We are also contributing to the state's goal to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030.
We take a holistic view of this goal as we track our success. We are accounting for:
- System Renewables: The renewable energy that Xcel Energy delivers to all retail customers. These are not created by, subscribed to, or sold to other customers.
- Distributed Solar: Renewable energy created by Denver customers with on-site solar arrays. Subscriptions to community solar gardens are also part of distributed solar.
- Utility-Scale Subscriptions: Renewable energy that Denverites buy. This is usually through Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect program.
This approach measures progress across all parts of the energy system. It allows us to invest in local clean energy infrastructure. As a result, the community benefits are at the forefront of our energy transition.
Achieving this ambitious goal will require strong partnerships with:
- Xcel Energy
- Community-organizations
- Members of the public
- Other city agencies
See more about how we will be collaborating with others to achieve our vision.
Renewable Energy in Denver
Denver’s renewable electricity comes from a variety of sources:
Xcel Energy's Grid
The electricity on our grid comes from a mixture of renewable and non-renewable sources. As Xcel decarbonizes the grid (i.e: increases the carbon-free electricity it produces), Denver gets closer to achieving its goals. In 2022, 53% of electricity supplied by the grid came from renewable energy sources, such as
- Solar
- Wind
- Hydroelectric.
This number is up from just over 38% in 2021. Xcel Energy is on track to provide 82% of its electricity with renewable sources by 2030, and 100% by 2050.
Learn more about Xcel Energy's grid
Denver also contributes to Xcel Energy's greener grid through:
Renewable Energy Subscriptions
Xcel Energy offers programs that allow their customers to benefit from renewable energy. These subscriptions fund new renewable energy projects. This then helps grow the renewable energy on our grid. These programs include:
- Renewable*Connect: Renewable*Connect is an easy, inexpensive way for customers to enroll in clean energy. Your energy will come from local wind and solar resources. Xcel Energy adds your enrollment fee to your regular utilities bill.
- Net Metering:Net Energy Metering lets you sell back the excess electricity generated from your solar system. This energy is then distributed to others on the grid.
Leading by Example
The City and County of Denver is also a customer of Xcel Energy. We buy the electricity needed to power our municipal buildings and other city facilities in a way that makes both financial and environmental sense. We also participate in Xcel Energy's Renewable*Connect program and Net Metering options. Combined with our efforts to grow Denver's renewable energy, we are showing what is possible.