On August 19, leaders at the Grand Junction Energy Summit captured today’s growing energy crisis in one sentence:
“In 2024, you saw electricity demand growth that was 60% higher than historic averages, and that’s just continued to grow. So we all now know what we’re focused on: how are we going to power the data centers that are coming along, in addition to just maintaining the grid?”
That statement paints the picture of what’s happening nationwide — and why it matters right here in western Colorado.
The Growing Strain on the Grid
The truth is, the U.S. energy grid is under pressure like never before. Between population growth, new construction, and the explosion of artificial intelligence and data centers, demand for electricity has surged beyond what our current infrastructure was built for.
• The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that global electricity demand rose nearly 60% faster than average in 2024.
• Data centers powering AI are consuming up to 2% of global electricity already — and that’s expected to double by 2030.
• Here in Colorado, utilities are racing to expand generation and transmission, but new infrastructure takes years to build.
What This Means for Homeowners in Grand Junction
As grid pressure increases, homeowners across Mesa County will feel it first through rate adjustments and potential strain during peak usage times. But there’s a clear opportunity to take control:
■ Electricity Rates Could Rise — As utilities invest in more generation and transmission, those costs get passed to consumers. Solar allows you to lock in your own energy rate instead of riding those increases.
■ Less Buffer in the Grid — Heavy demand from new industry can lead to brownouts or localized instability. Generating your own power — and optionally storing it — gives you reliability when others depend solely on the grid.
■ The Value of Self-Reliance — Installing solar isn’t just a financial choice; it’s a resilience choice. With your own rooftop array, you create independence from unpredictable utility rates and outside demand.
■ Long-Term Savings & Equity — Solar is one of the few home improvements that pays you back — in energy savings and increased property value. With today’s incentives and rebates, the return has never been stronger.
How Grand Junction Homeowners Can Take Action
- Get a custom solar evaluation — SoCo Solar can model your home’s usage, roof space, and long-term savings.
- Add a battery for backup — Stay powered during outages or high-rate peak hours.
- Think ahead — Future-proof your home for electric vehicles, smart appliances, and rising consumption.
- Join a community movement — When more homes go solar, our region becomes more resilient, and the whole grid benefits.
The Bottom Line
We’re entering a new era where demand for electricity isn’t slowing down — it’s accelerating.
While national leaders talk about “more electrons, more transmission lines, more factories,” Grand Junction homeowners have a more immediate solution: generate your own power.
By choosing solar today, you’re not just saving money — you’re helping build a stronger, more self-reliant Grand Valley.
