The Quiet Revolution in Colorado: How One Community Achieved 100% Clean Energy
There’s something profoundly inspiring about small victories in the fight against climate change. While global headlines often focus on the slow pace of international agreements or the latest corporate greenwashing scandal, a quiet revolution is happening in places like Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Here, Holy Cross Energy, a local cooperative, achieved a remarkable milestone this spring: delivering 100% clean energy to its 45,000-plus members. Personally, I think this story is more than just a local success—it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when communities take climate action into their own hands.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Holy Cross Energy pulled it off. It wasn’t just about installing solar panels or wind turbines; it was about strategic planning, community engagement, and a deep understanding of local conditions. For instance, the mild temperatures in March reduced energy demand, but the real game-changer was the cooperative’s investment in solar farms that capitalized on the same weather. This raises a deeper question: how much of renewable energy’s success depends on aligning infrastructure with natural patterns? What many people don’t realize is that renewables aren’t just about technology—they’re about harmony with the environment.
One thing that immediately stands out is Holy Cross Energy’s commitment to its “100×30” goal: 100% clean energy by 2030. They’re not just talking the talk; they’re already averaging 92% clean power in 2026. But here’s where it gets interesting: their CEO, Bryan Hannegan, admits that the economics of large-scale renewable projects have shifted dramatically. Increased costs, supply chain issues, and the end of tax incentives have made utility-scale projects less feasible. From my perspective, this is a critical turning point. It forces us to rethink the scale and approach of renewable energy projects.
What this really suggests is that the future of clean energy might lie in smaller, more flexible solutions. Holy Cross Energy is now focusing on solar paired with battery storage and incentivizing members to shift their energy use to times when renewables are abundant. This isn’t just smart—it’s revolutionary. It challenges the traditional utility model and empowers consumers to become active participants in the energy transition. If you take a step back and think about it, this is democratization of energy in action.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Holy Cross Energy is navigating the challenges of a shifting economic landscape. While larger projects are becoming cost-prohibitive, they’re doubling down on innovation and community involvement. This isn’t just about generating clean power; it’s about building resilience and adaptability into the system. In my opinion, this is where the real battle for a sustainable future will be won—not in boardrooms or international summits, but in local communities figuring out how to make clean energy work for them.
What makes this story even more compelling is its timing. Amid a federal rollback of climate policies and a global energy crisis, Holy Cross Energy’s achievement feels like a defiant act of hope. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t always happen at the top. Sometimes, it’s the small players—the cooperatives, the local governments, the engaged citizens—who lead the way. This isn’t just a story about clean energy; it’s a story about the power of local action in the face of global inertia.
Looking ahead, I can’t help but wonder: could this model be replicated elsewhere? What would happen if more communities adopted a similar approach? The challenges are real—costs, infrastructure, and political will—but so are the opportunities. Holy Cross Energy’s success isn’t just a technical achievement; it’s a cultural one. It shows that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
In the end, this story leaves me with a provocative thought: What if the key to solving the climate crisis isn’t found in grand, sweeping policies, but in the small, deliberate actions of communities like Glenwood Springs? Personally, I think that’s a question worth exploring—and a future worth fighting for.
