October 29, 2019

As an electric cooperative association, we have a particular interest in promoting the cross-benefits of the energy transition and a cleaner electric grid by using electricity to save families money and lower emissions. We welcome and are eager to support and expand these beneficial electrification (BE) opportunities, particularly in our rural communities.

To that end, today I am excited to announce that Tri-State is partnering with NRECA, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the national Beneficial Electrification League (BEL) to establish the first-ever state BEL chapter to advance beneficial electrification in Colorado. Additional partners supporting the launch are the Colorado Energy Office, Colorado Rural Electric Association and Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.

While the phrase beneficial electrification might seem new, the idea is not. For decades, consumers, business and agriculture have switched from fuels like natural gas, propane, gasoline or diesel to electricity to power all sorts of appliances, tools and motors. Simply stated: beneficial electrification promotes the use of electricity to replace fossil fuels to increases convenience, decreases costs and reduces emissions.

As examples, beneficial electrification includes electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric lawnmowers, garden tools and snow blowers (which are quieter to operate, have no emissions and are easier to maintain than gasoline motors), and energy-efficient electric heating and cooling systems.

Switching to electricity saves money and reduces emissions.

BEL and the Colorado chapter are non-profits focused on the advancement of market acceptance for BE concepts, policies, practices, technologies and business models. BEL was launched nationally in 2018, with founding support from NRDC and NRECA, to facilitate the exchange of ideas, experience, education, awareness, and market and policy analysis to accelerate BE innovation.

The Beneficial Electrification League of Colorado (BEL-CO) will provide a forum for researchers, government, members of the public, businesses and others to share knowledge and advance solutions that deliver the benefits of electrification throughout the state.

We hope BEL-CO will be the first of many state or regional chapters that strive to share the dual benefits of lower costs and lower emissions through electrification. In the meantime, we look forward to collaborating with BEL-CO, its members and other interested parties throughout the state to advance and share BE with our rural and urban neighbors.