Powering Possibility: Metro’s Energy Vision Takes Shape
Metro’s Energy Program is turning necessity into opportunity. While wastewater treatment is inherently energy intensive, it also produces valuable by-products like biogas and recoverable heat. Harnessing those resources is just the beginning.
Welcome Back Blair Wisdom
In fall 2025, Metro welcomed Blair Wisdom back to the Technology and Innovation Department as our Energy Manager. Her goal will be to systematically lead Metro’s Energy Program into the future.
With nearly two decades of experience in energy optimization and resource recovery, Blair has a deep familiarity with Metro. In fact, she previously served as Metro’s Director of Technology and Innovation for three years before returning to Metro in her new role.
Blair returns to Metro with a unique perspective that bridges operational knowledge with energy innovation. “My career has centered on optimizing energy use and resource recovery in wastewater treatment, and I’m eager to bring my expertise back to Metro,” Wisdom shared.
Powering the Future
Most exciting is Metro’s ongoing transition to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), which is currently planned to come online within the next two years. RNG captures methane produced during the treatment process and refines it into a renewable fuel source. This process, which will support Metro’s transition away from traditional cogeneration, will allow Metro to reduce onsite combustion while simultaneously selling energy credits on the open market.
The scale of this effort places Metro in a pioneering group of utilities around the world pushing the boundaries of renewable energy. “Not many utilities in the United States or even the world are doing what Metro is preparing to do,” Wisdom added. “In terms of scale, this is innovative around the world right now.”
RNG is just part of Metro’s broader vision for energy. In late 2025, Metro launched a technical feasibility study to explore the potential of capturing wastewater heat to power buildings in downtown Denver, including Ball Arena and the River Mile development. This concept would support decarbonization goals downtown while also helping Metro meet its own long-term temperature compliance goals.
Under Blair’s leadership, the Energy Program is proactively preparing for future regulatory milestones and systematically monetizing resources to offset utility costs. As Metro continues to evolve, the Energy Program will play an increasingly important role in shaping that future, aligning with two of Metro’s strategic focus areas – resource optimization and sustainability.