Public Power and Our Energy Vision
The Fort Collins Energy Vision: Clean, Reliable, Public Power
What Is Public Power?
Fort Collins Utilities is not a private utility company — it's community-owned and operated. When our community members get involved, we all benefit.
With public power, decisions are made locally, for the benefit of residents and businesses, not shareholders. That lets us focus on what matters:
- Reliable service
- Affordable rates
- A cleaner, more sustainable future
Where Your Electricity Comes From
Fort Collins gets its electricity from Platte River Power Authority (PRPA), a non-profit wholesale energy provider owned by Fort Collins, Estes Park, Longmont, and Loveland.
PRPA uses a mix of energy sources (like coal, natural gas, wind, and solar) and updates its long-term Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) every few years. This plan outlines how to keep power reliable, affordable, and increasingly carbon-free.
Fort Collins is actively involved in PRPA decisions. We have two representatives on the PRPA board:
- The Mayor, and
- An appointed energy expert
They help shape how power is generated, priced, and planned. Learn more about the Board of Directors
Our Clean Energy Commitments
Fort Collins has set bold climate and energy goals through our Our Climate Future plan:
- 100% renewable electricity by 2030
- Carbon-neutral community by 2050
These goals guide how we deliver public power—and why we’re working to reduce emissions, retire coal and transition to clean, local energy.
How We’ll Reach These Goals
We're modernizing the energy system while keeping service reliable and rates fair. Here’s how:
- Expanding solar, wind, and battery storage
- Retiring coal plants like Rawhide Unit 1 by 2030
- Improving the grid to handle renewable energy
- Supporting energy efficiency and electrification for homes and businesses
- We’re also working closely with PRPA and other communities to make smart, sustainable decisions together
What You Can Do: Stay Informed & Involved
You’re part of our public power future.