DENVER, March 3, 2022 – Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) in celebrating the formation of the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA), which is the state’s latest step toward a resilient Western regional power grid. With the Governor’s final appointments announced this week, CETA can begin working to modernize and streamline Colorado’s electric transmission planning process, remove long-standing barriers to clean energy projects, and lead to significant economic development and revenue generation for communities across the state.

“I ran on taking Colorado to 100% renewable energy by 2040, and my administration is taking bold climate action to get electric utilities to at least an 80% greenhouse gas pollution reduction by 2030, so Coloradans can breathe easy knowing future generations can thrive in the state we know and love. Now, a fully staffed Colorado Electric Transmission Authority will power regional infrastructure solutions that save people more money on their electric bills and help us reach our clean energy goals ahead of schedule,” said Governor Polis. 

“Colorado has positioned itself as a leading voice in shaping the future of the region’s electric grid. AEE is thrilled the state has taken the next step by making appointments to CETA, and we applaud this selection of talented individuals for its inaugural Board of Directors,” said Emilie Olson, Principal at AEE.“ Better transmission planning is an essential step toward a resilient grid for Colorado. This step, in addition to Colorado's leadership in the region around Western RTO development, is critical for achieving the state’s clean energy goals. On top of that, the new electric transmission authority will spur revenue generation for the state, attract significant economic and business development, and help the region ensure reliable clean energy keeps flowing through the state’s electricity infrastructure. AEE looks forward to working with the Governor’s office, the legislature, and now CETA to realize the substantial benefits of a regionally connected, affordable, and resilient energy system for all Coloradans.” 

“I am honored and enthusiastic to join the inaugural board of the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority,” said Leia Guccione, Managing Director at RMI, appointed to CETA by the legislature. “I look forward to working with the other board members, as well as the many Colorado energy stakeholders, to establish the CETA as a modern and dynamic entity that supports the modernization of Colorado's grid infrastructure in support of the state's bold climate and energy goals.”

“I am excited and honored to serve on the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority and believe this moves Colorado well down the path towards enabling and facilitating the transmission projects that will be necessary to achieve both climate and economic goals in the state and the region,” said Kathleen Staks, an energy industry consultant and a CETA appointee. “The ability to build new transmission infrastructure will bring investment, jobs, and the framework for increased regional collaboration to modernize the grid.” 

Governor Polis and the Legislature’s CETA appointments follow Colorado PUC’s determination in December that joining a regional transmission organization (RTO) would reduce utility costs by $230 million annually, lead to 5% annual savings for consumers, and be in the overall public interest. 

Emilie Olson is available by request to speak with reporters about Colorado’s energy system and regional solutions to improve costs and reliability. 

Background Materials 

• Read our statement supporting SB 72, our recap on SB 72’s movement in the Legislature, and the supportive sign-on letter from various businesses, environmental organizations, utilities, and trade associations 
• Read our Colorado 2021 Advanced Energy Jobs Fact Sheet 
• Read our Colorado Stimulus Report outlining the economic benefits of an advanced energy investment, including transmission