Resource and Energy Action Plan- REAP

Southwest Colorado plays an important role in the burgeoning New Energy Economy in our state. Much of our landscape receives 7 kilowatt hours of sunlight per square meter per day, there is enough of a breeze in many places to make wind power possible, and the feasibility of at least a few win-win off-channel hydro power projects is currently being studied.  Combined with traditional sources of power, such as natural gas, this makes our region a valuable commodity as our state looks into increasing the diversity of our energy portfolio.

As the recipient of the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) Community Energy Coordinator (CEC) program grant, 4CORE is convening a five-county advisory board that will provide input and feedback on the Resource & Energy Action Plan (REAP) for Southwest Colorado. In addition, 4CORE has been busy getting the word out and answering questions about incentives to save energy through the new RechargeColorado Campaign. These efforts are aimed at creating new jobs,  developing the region’s three- to five-year strategic sustainability plan, and positioning our region for future New Energy Economy activities and funding.


This point in history poses an incredible opportunity for evaluating the way our region uses energy and how we can positively benefit from decreasing our energy use. Incentives provided by Federal and State programs are making it increasingly realistic to save money on our individual energy bills and decrease our dependence on foreign oil, all while improving our quality of life.


Much of the motion toward the New Energy Economy is being generated from the top down through government programs. Constituents are taking advantage of these programs. However, in order to create real energy savings, each of us needs take a focused look at our homes, work place, schools and public buildings, and how we move between these places. There are many ways to save energy.

Clean air, trails, and mountain views are why we live here. Learn about how to get involved in REAP and how to thrive using less energy. Stay tuned here, at www.fourcore.org, and contact us if we can help!