Garfield Clean Energy is a collaborative partnership building the clean energy economy throughout Garfield County. The partnership started in 2008 through the efforts of CLEER: Clean Energy Economy for the Region to build a network of governments, schools, businesses and utilities aimed at strengthening the economy through increased energy efficiency.

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Governor’s Energy Office made the partnership a reality by awarding a New Energy Communities Initiative grant to the region. Garfield County, its six towns, and the library and transportation districts united to respond to the opportunity.

In two years, Garfield Clean Energy completed more than 50 projects benefiting households, businesses, schools and governments.

This work substantially cut energy costs and laid the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient economy by employing energy efficiency and solar energy.

Community clean energy leaders now see significant opportunities to grow these results and benefit the economy even more. From a countywide inventory, Garfield Clean Energy found that improving the region’s energy efficiency by 20 percent would harness $40 million for economic development.

By joining forces, Garfield County partners are saving energy, growing the demand for clean energy businesses, and creating an economic development model for communities across the country.

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