Stricter standards often equate to steeper prices – especially in Chaffee County. Next week, county officials have the chance to remain committed to affordable housing options for local residents. They are considering a new “electric-preferred” building code that goes beyond what the state of Colorado requires and would create stricter local standards than those used elsewhere in the state. These strict codes would stretch the wallets of many Coloradans.

The new codes would come with higher costs. Many homeowners rely on natural gas for space and water heating for the sake of lower annual energy bills in the colder Colorado climate. Approximately 70% of Colorado households depend upon natural gas for heating. The proposed code would make natural gas homes more expensive to build and renovate, by requiring stricter emission standards than those applied to all electric homes. These cost increases would happen despite real challenges of an all-electric home’s affordability, reliability, energy performance and total emissions calculation.

Read the full article at The Mountain Mail.

Progress should not come at the expense of affordability. As Colorado moves toward a lower-carbon future, families and businesses deserve energy options that are reliable, cost-effective, and reflect their needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Choice and balance should guide this transition, not rising bills and reduced options.

As organizations working to meet Colorado’s growing housing and economic development needs, we see firsthand how rising construction costs and added building requirements are making it harder to deliver buildings and homes that small businesses and working families can afford. The housing affordability crisis is getting worse, and we must implement policies that support Coloradans working to make ends meet.

Read the full article at The Gazette.

“A coalition of businesses, local governments, utilities and workers has advocated for natural gas as the “most cost-effective means for cooking, heating homes, and powering businesses.”

Restrictions on natural gas-powered appliances have sparked alarm among chefs and restaurant owners alike, who worry any bans on gas stoves will fundamentally change the way some cuisines are prepared and pose significant cost challenges.