Today I’m live blogging from downtown Denver at the “Colorado’s New Energy Economy” conference, hosted by Governor Ritter’s Energy Office, Public Utilities Commission, and Energy Outreach.

Governor Ritter opened the conference by outlining Colorado’s leadership role in a new energy economy.  The governor explained that as a state with abundant traditional energy sources in coal and natural gas, the 4th sunniest and 9th windiest state, as well as the home of the National Renewable Energy Lab and great research institutions, there is a genuine opportunity for Colorado to lead the way in the new energy economy which combines both old and new energy sources to meet energy demands while protecting the environment as well.

The conference couldn’t have come at a better time.  With the average residential utility customer emitting 7.1 metric tons of carbon per year and a projected demand growth of 60% over the next 17 years and a population increase of over 1 million people, Colorado needs to be at the forefront leading the way in economic and renewable development.

The most salient comment so far has come from Ron Binz head of the Public Utilities Commission.  With a full house of over 550 attendees at the conference and 150 people on the waiting list Binz stated “If you can say anything about Colorado’s New Energy Economy, it’s going to be crowded”

For updates on energy issues throughout the state visit www.coloradoenergywatch.org