HolyCrossEnergy

What HolyCrossEnergy does

Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is a not-for-profit, member-owned rural electric cooperative founded in 1939 and headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It delivers electricity to more than 45,000 residential, commercial, and irrigation members across western Colorado, covering the Eagle River Valley, Roaring Fork Valley, and Garfield County through a regulated monopoly service territory. The cooperative operates three physical offices (Glenwood Springs, Avon, Gypsum) plus two engineering districts and uses SmartHub as its 24/7 online member self-service platform.

HCE's core product is retail electricity delivered through tiered rate structures (Small Residential, Large Residential, Small Commercial, and Large Commercial/Irrigation) with a new demand-charge model introduced April 2026, plus an optional Time-of-Use rate. Its technology stack includes owned and shared renewable generation (Bronco Plains II wind farm with Guzman Energy, Hunter Solar with CORE Electric Cooperative, High Mesa and CMC solar+storage, hydro and biomass), Fire Safety Settings for wildfire mitigation, real-time outage mapping, and advanced analytics through The Energy Authority partnership. Layered member programs — PuRE voluntary renewable energy, Power+FLEX battery storage, Charge at Home/Work EV charging, Peak Time Payback, on-bill repayment financing, and income-qualified rebates — drive engagement, electrification, and demand flexibility.

Revenue is generated almost entirely through recurring electricity sales (subscription/usage-based), supplemented by voluntary Green Up/PuRE program premiums and net metering credit mechanics. In 2024, HCE sold 1,277,198 MWh to retail customers with a 76% clean/renewable portfolio (61% wind, 11% solar, 3% hydro, 1% biomass), achieved 85% renewable for the full year, and hit 100% renewable for the month of March 2026 with a 94% clean-energy average through May 2026. As a cooperative, surplus is reinvested into infrastructure and member programs rather than distributed, and rate competitiveness is a stated board-level strategic goal (bottom third of Colorado electric rates), with 2026 average bill increases held to 4.85% versus 10% at Xcel Energy and 13–18% nationwide.

Name

HolyCrossEnergy

Legal name

Holy Cross Energy

Website

https://holycross.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1939

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Holy Cross Energy is a not-for-profit, member-owned rural electric cooperative founded in 1939 that delivers electricity to more than 45,000 residential, commercial, and irrigation members across western Colorado under a regulated monopoly service territory, with a portfolio that reached 100% renewable electricity for a full month in March 2026.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Utility Services (Rural Electric Cooperative)

NAICS

Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution (22112), Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211)

SIC

Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Electric Cooperatives (Rural/Member-Owned Utilities) (EUADABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Renewable Distributed Generation (Rooftop/Onsite Solar, Small Wind, Small Hydro) (EUACALAJ), DER Aggregation & Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) (EUAMAJAC), Distributed Storage (Behind-the-Meter Batteries) (EUAMAJAE), Interconnection, Permitting & Grid Services for DERs (EUAMAJAH), Green Tariffs & Utility Renewable Supply Programs (EUAGADAJ), REC/GO Retail Supply & Green Tariffs (Bundled/Unbundled) (EUAMAKAF)

Keywords

• Rural electric cooperative
• Electric utility services
• Renewable energy programs
• Residential electricity supply
• Energy efficiency rebates

Headquarters

HQ city

Glenwood Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Residential Electricity Sales: Holy Cross Energy generates revenue through retail electricity sales to over 45,000 residential and commercial members in western Colorado. As a not-for-profit cooperative, revenues are used to cover operating costs and maintain the electrical infrastructure. The utility employs a tiered rate structure including energy charges (per kWh), demand charges (per kW), and customer charges.
2. Commercial and Industrial Electricity Sales: Revenue from commercial members including small commercial, large commercial, and irrigation customers with differentiated rate structures based on demand levels.
3. Voluntary Renewable Energy Programs: Green Up voluntary program where members can select renewable energy sources (wind, hydro, solar) for an additional cost. In 2024, 1,870 members purchased 56,781 MWh through this program.
4. Net Metering: Members with solar installations can participate in net metering, earning 100% retail credit for energy shared back to the grid that offsets annual consumption. Excess energy is credited at wholesale rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Holy Cross Energy is a not-for-profit, member-owned rural electric cooperative that distributes electricity to more than 45,000 residential and commercial members across western Colorado. Its core offering is retail electricity service delivered through tiered rate structures (Small/Large Residential, Small/Large Commercial, Irrigation, optional Time of Use), augmented by a portfolio of voluntary programs including PuRE 100% renewable energy, Power+FLEX battery storage, Charge at Home/Work EV charging, Peak Time Payback demand response, residential energy efficiency and electrification rebates, and Solar & Batteries net metering.

Product overview

Holy Cross Energy is a not-for-profit rural electric cooperative offering a unified suite of electricity services to over 45,000 members in western Colorado. Its core product is residential and commercial electricity service, delivered through multiple rate structures (Small Residential, Large Residential, Small Commercial, and Large Commercial/Irrigation) including an optional Time of Use rate. The cooperative's customer-facing portfolio is organized around several interconnected programs: SmartHub provides online account management and usage analytics; PuRE enables voluntary 100% renewable energy sourcing; Charge at Home and Charge at Work support EV adoption; Power+FLEX offers battery storage with demand flexibility; and a comprehensive Residential Rebates program (including income-qualified and e-bike/e-lawn sub-programs) drives energy efficiency and electrification. Core grid services include a Live Outage Map, Wildfire Mitigation with Fire Safety Settings, and Construction & Engineering Services across Eagle Valley and Roaring Fork districts. Youth Programs round out the community engagement offering. Together these products serve members across the full energy lifecycle from supply and delivery through efficiency upgrades and demand management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PuRE: A voluntary program enabling members to support renewable energy generation by selecting their fuel source (wind, hydro, solar).
• Power+FLEX
• Charge at Home
• Charge at Work
• Peak Time Payback
• SmartHub

Products and services

• Residential and Commercial Electricity Distribution Service Core retail electricity service delivering safe, reliable power to more than 45,000 residential and commercial members across western Colorado, with billing, payment processing, and account management via SmartHub.
• PuRE (Pure Renewable Energy) Voluntary Program Voluntary subscription-style program that lets members opt in to support 100% clean energy by selecting renewable fuel sources (wind, solar, local hydro) for their electricity usage.
• Charge at Home EV Charging Program Residential electric vehicle charging program providing rebates and support for installing Level 2 EV chargers at members' homes, including shared charging options for condos and apartments.
• Charge at Work EV Charging Program Workplace electric vehicle charging program supporting the installation and use of EV chargers at commercial properties within the HCE service territory.
• Power+FLEX At-Home Battery Storage Program At-home battery storage program offering upfront rebates and monthly bill credits to members who enroll home battery systems, enabling demand flexibility and grid support.
• Peak Time Payback Demand Response Program Demand flexibility program that provides bill credits to members who reduce energy use during peak demand periods, helping reduce strain on the grid.
• Residential Energy Efficiency and Electrification Rebates Program Comprehensive rebate program offering up to $5,000 per residential account per year for heat pumps, insulation, air sealing, smart thermostats, induction cooktops, heat pump water heaters, heat pump dryers, smart panels, and battery storage; includes dedicated e-bike and electric lawn equipment rebates.
• Income-Qualified Programs Expanded rebates and assistance for members whose household income falls under 150% of Area Median Income, offering up to $10,000 (double standard amount) for energy efficiency and electrification upgrades plus the Sustainable Solar program.
• On-Bill Repayment Financing Financing program allowing members to repay heat pump installation costs through their monthly utility bill, reducing upfront investment barriers for electrification upgrades.
• Solar & Batteries Interconnection and Net Metering Program Program offering guidance, interconnection services, and net metering credits (100% retail credit for energy shared back to the grid) for members who install on-site solar PV and battery storage systems.
• Live Outage Map Service Real-time interactive outage map displaying current known outages across the HCE service territory, updated automatically when grid outages are detected.
• Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Settings Service Wildfire risk reduction service including Fire Safety Settings (controlled outages on high fire-danger days), Public Safety Power Shutoffs, vegetation management, and enhanced system monitoring to protect infrastructure and mountain communities.
• Construction and Engineering Services Engineering services for new construction, system upgrades, and service requests, delivered through the Eagle Valley and Roaring Fork engineering district offices.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% renewable electricity achieved for month of March 2026, milestone toward 100x30 goal
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Guzman Energy LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for renewable energy procurement including shared ownership of Bronco Plains II wind farm. Guzman Energy also purchased HCE's 8% share in Comanche coal plant Unit 3 in February 2019. Partnership provides diversified energy supply and supports 100x30 clean energy goals.
• CORE Electric CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for shared ownership of Hunter Solar array, providing solar generation for both cooperatives' members. Collaborative relationship supporting renewable energy development in Colorado.
• The Energy Authority (TEA)coreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership where TEA acts as extension of HCE staff, leveraging advanced analytics to maximize renewable energy procurement while maintaining grid reliability and affordability. Key partner in achieving 100% renewable milestone.
• Xcel Energy / Public Service Company of ColoradocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term energy supply contracts through Public Service Company of Colorado (subsidiary of Xcel Energy). HCE also holds 8% share in Comanche generating station. Xcel provides residual energy supply and capacity needs, and is increasing its own renewable supply. Facing significantly higher transmission and power purchase charges starting 2026.
• Western Area Power AdministrationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term energy supply agreement through federal power marketing agency, contributing to HCE's diverse power supply portfolio.
• Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on grid resilience planning study examining how communities can build resilience through distributed clean energy solutions. HCE participated in multi-month process with RMI support resulting in lessons applicable to resilience efforts worldwide.
• Eagle River Water and SanitationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured in EPRI report as example of best practices in demand management. Partnership demonstrating how utility-customer collaboration can reduce costs and build resilience.
• Walking MountainscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnergy Smart Colorado nonprofit partner serving Eagle River Valley. Provides income verification for income-qualified rebate programs and additional rebates for HCE members. Helps process rebate applications and verify eligibility.
• CORE (Roaring Fork Valley)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnergy Smart Colorado nonprofit partner serving Roaring Fork Valley. Provides income verification for income-qualified rebate programs and additional rebates for HCE members in Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, and surrounding areas.
• Garfield Clean EnergyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEnergy Smart Colorado nonprofit partner serving Garfield County. Provides additional rebate programs and energy efficiency resources for HCE members in the Garfield County service area.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Gunnison County Electric Association: Gunnison County Electric Association is a small electric cooperative serving Gunnison County in western Colorado. It is a direct peer to Holy Cross Energy as a Colorado rural electric cooperative with a similar member-owned structure, mountain-terrain service territory, and reliance on wholesale power supply contracts.
• San Miguel Power Association: San Miguel Power Association is a member-owned electric cooperative serving the Telluride and Norwood areas of southwestern Colorado. It is a direct peer to Holy Cross Energy, operating as a rural electric cooperative in Colorado mountain communities with comparable service territory characteristics and renewable generation portfolios.
• United Power: United Power is a member-owned electric cooperative serving Colorado's northern Front Range and mountain communities. It is a direct peer to Holy Cross Energy as a Colorado electric cooperative with comparable renewable programs, demand-flexibility initiatives, and member-driven governance structure.
• CORE Electric Cooperative: CORE Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving the Front Range and surrounding areas of Colorado. It is a direct peer to Holy Cross Energy, jointly owning the Hunter Solar array with HCE and serving a similar rural Colorado membership with comparable rate structures and renewable programs.
• Mountain Parks Electric (now part of White River Electric): Mountain Parks Electric, now merged with White River Electric Association, was a rural electric cooperative serving Grand County in Colorado. It is a direct peer to Holy Cross Energy as a small Colorado electric cooperative serving mountain communities with similar scale and member-driven operations.
• La Plata Electric Association: La Plata Electric Association is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta counties in southwestern Colorado. It is a direct peer to Holy Cross Energy as a rural Colorado electric cooperative with a similar member-owned governance model, mountain-terrain service territory, and renewable energy transition goals.

Emerging players

• Guzman Energy: Guzman Energy is an independent power producer and energy marketer focused on providing renewable and wholesale energy to cooperatives and municipalities. It is an emerging player peer to Holy Cross Energy as a strategic partner (Bronco Plains II wind farm ownership) and as a supplier of competitively-priced renewable energy to similar cooperative utilities in the western US.

Broad incumbents

• Black Hills Energy: Black Hills Energy is a regulated electric and natural gas utility serving customers in Colorado, Wyoming, and other states. It is a broad incumbent peer to Holy Cross Energy as a regulated utility operating in Colorado with overlapping service territory in some regions, though operating as a larger investor-owned utility with broader geographic and product scope.
• Xcel Energy (Public Service Company of Colorado): Xcel Energy is the largest investor-owned electric utility in Colorado through its subsidiary Public Service Company of Colorado. It is a broad incumbent peer to Holy Cross Energy, sharing the same state regulatory jurisdiction and serving as HCE's wholesale power supplier; Xcel's larger scale and broader portfolio (including coal, nuclear, and renewables) contrasts with HCE's focused cooperative model.

Others

• The Energy Authority (TEA): The Energy Authority is a nonprofit energy services company providing wholesale energy trading, analytics, and risk management to public power utilities and cooperatives. It is a strategic supplier/advisor to Holy Cross Energy, providing the analytics platform behind HCE's renewable procurement optimization; comparable as an enabling partner to the broader cooperative utility ecosystem rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HolyCrossEnergy