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Pitkin County moves Aspen Airport Business Center microgrid agreement to second reading
Summary
The BOCC advanced an agreement with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and Holy Cross Energy to formalize a shared‑ownership microgrid at the Aspen Airport Business Center. Staff described the project as seven years in the making and largely built; the contract includes a mutual termination clause with a one‑year written notice.
Pitkin County commissioners voted on Dec. 3 to move forward to second reading an interparty agreement formalizing a shared‑ownership microgrid project at the Aspen Airport Business Center.
Michael Port, the county's climate action analyst, said the microgrid concept began seven years ago and the current agreement spells out shared capital, operations and ongoing maintenance with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and Holy Cross Energy. "This has been a 7 year long project...we're very excited to bring this agreement to you today," Port said.
Commissioners asked about termination language in the contract and whether a single party could walk away from the agreement. County counsel and Port said most capital work had already been completed; counsel confirmed the contract includes a mutual termination provision and that the agreement requires one year's written notice for termination without cause, giving remaining parties time to backfill obligations.
Commissioner Greg urged early public education and display of microgrid benefits at the airport; other commissioners suggested outreach to local institutions and potential future partners. The board approved moving the agreement forward to second reading and public hearing on Dec. 17.
