HB11-1228 Summary

• Directs the Office of Economic Development to select an independent analyst by July 1, 2011 to study the potential economic benefits of distributed renewable energy generation incentives in Colorado.

• Study must assess job creation and preservation by region and renewable energy type, attraction of new businesses and capital, revenue expansion for farmers and ranchers, and additional state tax revenue.

• Analyst must examine potential policy mechanisms including standard offer programs that cover all renewable forms, provide long-term must-take contracts, use modest utility rate increases to cover costs, and have a defined lifetime.

• Creates the Distributed Generation Economic Development Fund to be funded through private gifts, grants, and donations (not general fund moneys) to support the analyst's work.

• Requires report delivery to relevant legislative committees by December 15, 2011 and repeals this section effective July 1, 2012.