Electricity is delivered to Coloradans through the electrical grid, a massive, interconnected network of generators, transmission lines and distribution lines that draws on a diverse set of generation sources and provides power to homes and businesses across the state. Additionally, some Coloradans generate their own electricity using distributed energy resources like rooftop solar panels or small wind turbines.
Utilities build high voltage transmission lines that allow customers to utilize the high quality wind resource on the eastern plains and the sunny solar resource in the San Luis Valley. Electricity travels from transmission lines to more localized substations, where voltage is reduced and power is delivered to customers through a network of distribution power lines. Utilities manage and maintain the electric grid, balancing the amount of electricity generated with the amount of electricity needed, ensuring that electricity is provided reliably to all customers.
For more information, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration for Colorado State Energy Profile including Colorado Net Electricity Generation by Source. See also Xcel Energy map of the Colorado transmission system.