By Connor Cigrang

The law of supply and demand affects all parts of our economy, including energy. As consumers continue to increase their demand for clean energy, it is up to markets and businesses to supply and satisfy it.  

Colorado-based Holy Cross Energy is the latest company to address the demands of its consumers through the newly launched 100×30 initiative. Their goal is to offer members 100% renewable energy by the year 2030. A strategic progression that includes many steps, the mission serves to benefit Holy Cross members as well as the environment they live in. Providing such a service is no small task and has never been accomplished before. Despite difficult odds, Holy Cross has outlined a thought-out strategy and is guided by Bryan Hannegan, a man who is no stranger to entrepreneurialism.

Before he was the CEO of Holy Cross, a member-owned not-for-profit which services 43,000 customers, Hannegan was building his own legacy. The former Associate Laboratory Director at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Hannegan founded the US Department of Energy’s Grid Modernization Initiative and established the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF). Hannegan has also held a senior leadership role on the White House Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) under President George W. Bush, as well as on the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bryan Hannegan has accomplished a great deal in his career and has provided opportunities for free-market entrepreneurs to carve their own paths to success. His most recent endeavors with Holy Cross have been no exception and have yielded astronomical success.

What began as an electrical association founded in 1939 by a group of strong-willed farmers has blossomed into a top-tier clean energy corporation. Named the 2020 Electric Cooperative of the Year by the Smart Electric Power Alliance, Holy Cross plays host to 167 employees and services clientele from major ski resorts, such as Aspen and Vail, to rural communities. Their mission is simple; to offer safe and affordable clean energy for their members that improves the quality of life of those in the community.

The environmental initiatives taken on by Hannegan and his team at Holy Cross have already benefited thousands and continue to prove that government is not the sole provider of clean energy. The 100×30 mission is their biggest endeavor yet and has been outlined through actionable steps that have blossomed their plans from vision into reality. In an article for Energy Capital Media, Hannegan was quoted via email discussing the pathways Holy Cross will take to achieve their goal:

“Based on our recent research and innovation efforts, HCE believes that there are multiple pathways we can take on our Journey to 100%, including the development of robust and open wholesale markets for electricity and the regional transmission grid coordination to support them. We are committed to finding the best possible route to our strategic goals that preserves and extends our ability to safely provide reliable and affordable electric service even as we move towards a carbon-free power supply.”

In addition to their environmental initiatives, Holy Cross has carved their own route in addressing the recent COVID-19 pandemic. A global issue that has had astronomical effects on businesses and individuals alike, COVID has left an imprint on Holy Cross as well. Despite being faced with uncertain times, Holy Cross has opted to put their community first and began offering financial relief for their struggling members this past spring. Their Board of Directors has approved added funds for struggling members who were unable to pay-off electrical bills sent after March 12. Hannegan elaborated on Holy Cross’

COVID-19 relief funds for their community in an interview with Zpryme:

“We have taken some of the equity that we have in the organization and we have liberated that half a million dollars. We have made it available to those that are struggling that are behind 60, or 90 days on their bills and we have given them priority to get some assistance with a demonstrated proof of hardship. Again it’s focused on making up for those last bill payments. We really want to help our members as much as we can, and be there for them.”

Providing support to their members is exactly what Bryan Hannegan and the team at Holy Cross have done. Proving they truly do care for their community through their COVID-19 initiatives, and introducing ambitious goals heading into the future with 100×30, Holy Cross is doing good for the community while simultaneously protecting the world we all share. Holy Cross is a clear example of a private company that has taken matters into its own hands in order to make an impact. Proving that the free market, not government, can reduce emissions and lend a helping hand to those in need.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.