FORTZED TIMELINE

Here’s a snapshot of major infrastructure developments that have laid the foundation for FortZED in Fort Collins.

1935

• Fort Collins Utility formed

1948

• First underground electric system installed serving 78 homes

1984

• Energy Services Department formed
• Utility recognized with DOE Energy Innovation Award

1989

• Fort Collins Utility embarks on an 18-year initiative to underground all remaining overhead power lines; today 99% of all power lines are underground

1998

• Fort Collins Utilities is the first in Colorado and one of the first in the nation to offer wind power to its customers.

2007

• Net Zero Energy District initiative is proposed, and named FortZED by the UniverCity Connections Sustainable Energy Task Force, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado.

2008

• Received U.S. Department of Energy grant for $6.3 million, plus nearly $5 million in matching funds and in kind services.
• Received a New Energy Communities grant from Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office, of $778,000, plus $2 million in local matching funds.
• FortZED Green Restaurant initiative kicks off and allows local restaurants to save dedicated money for energy efficient equipment and conservation efforts.

2009

• Fort Collins adopts Energy Policy with ties to greenhouse gas reductions goals passed by City Council in 2008 involving an aggressive energy reduction target and a 2050 vision.

2009-2014

• Implementation of Smart Grid technology and integration of other energy sources and conservation tactics.

2010-2011

• Community Energy Challege for residents
• Demonstration year for the Department of Energy's Renewable Distributed Systems Ingration project

FortZED is a "ready to go" 21st Century clean energy infrastructure project. In the near term, the project is estimated to create 200-300 permanent, primary jobs, while in the long run it will cement Fort Collins as a Smart Grid center.