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Pitkin County, Holy Cross Energy & RFTA collaborate on integrated clean energy microgrid
New system enhances community resilience, climate action, and regional energy independence
Glenwood Springs, CO, June 23, 2026 — Pitkin County, Holy Cross Energy (HCE), and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) announced the successful commissioning of the Aspen Airport Business Center (AABC) Integrated Clean Energy Microgrid, a first-of-its-kind regional project designed to keep essential public services operating during grid outages while advancing the county’s long-term sustainability goals.
The microgrid’s commissioning represents the culmination of years of planning, feasibility studies, and state-supported innovation, and is one of Colorado’s most advanced examples of a clean-energy microgrid designed for public-sector resilience.
The newly commissioned microgrid integrates the 5-megawatt Pitkin County Solar array, a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and advanced controls that enable the AABC campus, which includes a RFTA operations center, to operate as an energy island during emergencies, such as wildfires, extreme weather, or other grid disruptions.
“Continuity planning and disaster recovery are part of our resiliency team’s efforts to stay ahead of natural disasters and provide vital services within the county”, said Jeffrey Woodruff, Pitkin County Commissioner Board Chair. “We are thankful for our technology and funding partners, in Holy Cross Energy and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, in building out this phase of our critical technology assets.”
The microgrid also strengthens RFTA’s ability to provide essential transit services during emergencies while supporting their long-term sustainability goals.
“We are proud to partner with Pitkin County and Holy Cross Energy on an innovative project that enhances resilience for the entire Roaring Fork Valley,” said Kurt Ravenschlag, CEO, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority.HCE provided technical expertise, system planning, and coordination to ensure the project could connect renewable energy generation, battery storage and critical facilities. As the local electric cooperative serving the Roaring Fork Valley, HCE worked closely with Pitkin County and RFTA to design a solution that enhances grid reliability, supports local energy resilience and advances shared clean energy goals. The project reflects HCE’s commitment to delivering innovative energy solutions that benefit both its members and the broader communities it serves.
“This project demonstrates what’s possible when local governments, utilities, and community partners work together toward a shared vision. The AABC microgrid strengthens the resilience of critical public services while advancing our transition to a cleaner, more flexible energy system,” said Bryan Hannegan, HCE President and CEO.
The microgrid was developed through a multi-year partnership between Pitkin County, HCE, and RFTA, after the organizations came together with other partners after the Lake Christine Fire in 2018 to explore ways to enhance the resiliency of the upper Roaring Fork Valley. The result of this collaboration, as published in an RMI report Working Together Towards a More Resilient Future, outlines how to re-engineer electric grids for increased disaster resilience while transitioning to clean energy. The report highlights that distributed, clean energy resources and community-driven, iterative planning can effectively replace reliance on fossil fuels during emergencies.
“We’re creating a model for how communities can prepare for future challenges while reducing emissions and increasing energy independence,” Hannegan said.
Questions regarding the microgrid can be directed to Michael Port, Climate Action Analyst for Pitkin County, at Michael.port@pitkincounty.com or 970-379-2031.
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About Pitkin County – Pitkin County serves nearly 18,000 residents in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley through a wide range of public services that support a healthy, safe, vibrant, and sustainable community.
Guided by the values of stewardship, ethics, excellence, open communication, collaboration, and a positive work environment, the County is committed to responsible governance, environmental stewardship, and delivering accessible, innovative, and reliable services that enhance quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits here. Learn more at pitkincounty.com
About Holy Cross Energy – Founded in 1939, Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is a not-for-profit rural electric co-op providing safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy and services that improve the quality of life for more than 45,000 members in western Colorado. HCE was built by and belongs to the diverse communities and members we serve. Membership is open to everyone in our service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, language, political perspective, or socioeconomic status. HCE is committed to leading the responsible transition to a clean energy future with a goal of safely providing 100% clean, affordable, and reliable energy to its members by 2030.
About Roaring Fork Transportation Authority – The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) functions as a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) providing essential regional transit services connecting communities from Aspen to Rifle, Colorado. The RTA includes the communities of Aspen, Snowmass Village, Pitkin County, Basalt, and a portion of Eagle County, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and New Castle.
