Who We Are
The Colorado Harvesting Energy Network is an association of rural interests seeking opportunities to maximize rural benefits from the development of Colorado’s New Energy Economy. Our partners include financial, agriculture, governmental, and landowner interests dedicated to community-based project development. Staff support for CHEN is provided by Colorado Working Landscapes and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.

What We Are Working On
The Colorado Harvesting Energy Network Cooperative
At an April 15 meeting of the joint Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy committees of the Colorado General Assembly, CHEN leaders announced they are pursuing formation of a clean energy cooperative that could help aggregate projects for groups of landowners. Follow the link to a preliminary description of the project. »

Shaping Public Policy
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is engaged in far-ranging discussions that will result in rules affecting the shape of Colorado’s energy future for years to come. We are participating in this work, testifying on behalf of community renewable development projects. Follow this link to see recent testimony »

Community Wind
CHEN has long worked with others to smooth the way for landowners seeking to develop wind energy projects that benefit rural communities. Follow this link to an extensive paper that outlines Colorado community wind project considerations »

Follow this link to see presentations from Ownership Matters: Community–based Wind Development in Colorado, Workshops held May 7 in Lamar and May 8 in Wray »

Small Hydro Development
In conjunction with the Governor’s Energy Office we are working to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to use existing diversions to generate electricity. This document, prepared by Joani Matranga of the Governor’s Energy Office, describes a path forward »