The Colorado Energy Savings Navigator (CESN) is a digital tool developed by OIT that helps eligible Coloradans find hundreds of energy-saving programs in 10 minutes or less. Debra Alban, a Digital Service Expert, is the product lead and a driving force behind the collaborative effort required to develop this tool. Since its launch in August 2025, CESN has helped more than 2,300 Coloradans find money-saving programs.
The success of the CESN project is a testament to the power of OIT's Core Value, Teamwork.
Sarah Tuneberg, Interim Deputy Executive Director Digital & Delivery, said, “Debra orchestrated unprecedented collaboration across state agencies, utilities, nonprofits and communities to launch the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator, demonstrating how teamwork breaks down barriers.”
Behind Debra’s motivation to work with others to improve the lives of Colordans is her personal joy in hearing how her collaborative work has helped countless individuals. “I regularly revisit this collection of testimonials from families who went through the Universal Preschool program,” a program she worked on a couple of years ago. “People throughout the state are going through a lot. I’m grateful to them for sharing their stories and helping us build the understanding we need to address their challenges.”
We can see why people like working with Debra, as she clearly has an engaging personality. When we spoke with her, she told us that as an entry-level editorial staffer at CNN.com, she found herself on the Oscars red carpet, donned in a maid-of-honor dress from her cousin’s wedding. With press credentials, she got to stand among career photographers, who she overheard making fun of her personal point-and-shoot camera. “I didn’t have any food with me, so the only thing I ate for 'lunch' was an Oscar-shaped piece of dark chocolate distributed by Wolfgang Punk,” Debra joked.
Congratulations, Debra, for your leadership and for being recognized for OIT’s Core Value of Teamwork!