Colorado Energy Workshop - Burlington
Date and time
Location
Burlington Community Center - Conference Hall
340 S. 14th Street Burlington, CO 80807Description
You're Invited: Dinner and Workshop on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Farmers and Ranchers
Colorado farmers spend more than $400 million annually on energy, equaling 7 percent of the industry’s total expenses. `At the same time, every day, energy technology is becoming more advanced and less expensive. New technology is providing opportunities for farmers and ranchers to identify efficiencies and potentially save money through energy-saving systems, and even renewable energy generation. Looking at energy use on any farm holds potential to reduce cost of production and increase margin for farmers and ranchers.
On Wednesday, November 30, you're invited to join expert presenters from Colorado State University, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Energy Office for breakfast and an overview of energy opportunities in agriculture. In addition, Colorado State Climatologist Nolan Doesken will give an update on climate and weather considerations, energy and agriculture. The program will be moderated by former Colorado agriculture commissioners John Stulp and Don Ament.
Specifically, attendees will hear updates on agricultural energy use, how you can save energy, costs, benefits, barriers and opportunities for using renewable generation systems, and funding options to address barriers that prevent farmers from investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Registration is free, with dinner and refreshments included. We ask that you RSVP on this page to reserve a place at the meeting.
Agenda:
5:30 Coffee/Breakfast Served
6:00 Introduction and Key Issues in Managing Risk
John Stulp and Don Ament, former Commissioners, Colorado Department of Agriculture
6:30 Briefing on Climate and Weather Considerations
Dr. Nolan Doesken, State Climatologist, CSU
7:15 Renewables, Efficiency and the Bottom Line
Cary Weiner, CSU Extension Specialist – Energy and Director of Rural Energy Center
Cary Weiner led a team at Colorado State University that conducted 30 feasibility assessments for grid-tied solar and wind systems for center pivot sprinklers in Colorado. Mr. Weiner will share the process, methodology, and findings of this Solar and Wind Assessments for Pivots (SWAP) project. Specifically, he will discuss costs, benefits, barriers, opportunities, and actions taken on these renewable energy systems. The project was sponsored by USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
7:45 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Opportunities for Colorado Agricultural Producers
Michael Turner, Energy Efficiency Programs Manager, Colorado Energy Office
Sam Anderson, Energy Coordinator, Colorado Department of Agriculture
The Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have partnered to offer a variety of programs to support and finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout the state. Program participants receive a free energy audit, renewable energy site assessment, technical support, and access to financial assistance to reduce the upfront cost of energy improvements. Funding options include $1.1 million available in project grant funding through CEO's USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program award, $500,000 in grant funding through CDA's ACRE3 program for renewable energy & energy efficiency projects, concierge service through USDA's EQIP & REAP programs, and all available utility rebates. These program offerings address barriers that prevent producers from investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy by bringing existing resources and partners together and leverage new funding with a turnkey approach.
9:00 Conclude