Colorado

Energy Smart Colorado is the first rural multi-jurisdictional consortium in the U.S. to implement a comprehensive residential energy efficiency program.

Residents of Roaring Fork Valley and Eagle, Gunnison, Lake, and Summit Counties are eligible for energy efficiency and renewable energy assistance, rebates, and financing through the Energy Smart Colorado program. The program helps homeowners identify, finance, and complete energy improvements in their homes.

Each participating county operates an Energy Resource Center (ERC), providing homeowners and contractors with a local, reliable one-stop-shop for information and service. Each ERC is staffed with a Building Performance Institute certified Home Energy Advisor who provides expert advice, coaching, and assistance with enrollments, home energy assessments, and improvement projects.

Energy Smart in Eagle County

The Energy Smart program serves Eagle County through the Walking Mountains Science Center. The Energy Smart program in Eagle County is funded in part by Eagle County Eco-Build funds which are fees for energy building code mitigation collected in unincorporated Eagle County. Since its inception, over $1.2 million in community grants, solar rebates, and energy efficiency rebates have been distributed into the community.

Home Energy Assessment

Interested homeowners can schedule a reduced-cost home energy assessment with a qualified Energy Smart Analyst who will come to the home and perform a comprehensive home safety and energy assessment. There are a variety of free improvements the Energy Smart Analyst may install at the time of the assessment including a programmable thermostat, efficient lighting, hot and cold water pipe insulation, a hot water tank insulation blanket, and door weather-stripping.

Rebates

In addition to the Home Energy Assessment, the homeowner may also be eligible to receive an Energy Smart rebate. Energy Smart provides direct rebates for energy improvement projects and also maintains up-to-date information on other financial incentives from utilities, state and local governments, and federal tax credits.

Energy Smart Colorado is the first rural multi-jurisdictional consortium in the U.S. to implement a comprehensive residential energy efficiency program.

Residents of Roaring Fork Valley and Eagle, Gunnison, Lake, and Summit Counties are eligible for energy efficiency and renewable energy assistance, rebates, and financing through the Energy Smart Colorado program. The program helps homeowners identify, finance, and complete energy improvements in their homes.

Each participating county operates an Energy Resource Center (ERC), providing homeowners and contractors with a local, reliable one-stop-shop for information and service. Each ERC is staffed with a Building Performance Institute certified Home Energy Advisor who provides expert advice, coaching, and assistance with enrollments, home energy assessments, and improvement projects.

Energy Smart in Eagle County

The Energy Smart program serves Eagle County through the Walking Mountains Science Center. The Energy Smart program in Eagle County is funded in part by Eagle County Eco-Build funds which are fees for energy building code mitigation collected in unincorporated Eagle County. Since its inception, over $1.2 million in community grants, solar rebates, and energy efficiency rebates have been distributed into the community.

Home Energy Assessment

Interested homeowners can schedule a reduced-cost home energy assessment with a qualified Energy Smart Analyst who will come to the home and perform a comprehensive home safety and energy assessment. There are a variety of free improvements the Energy Smart Analyst may install at the time of the assessment including a programmable thermostat, efficient lighting, hot and cold water pipe insulation, a hot water tank insulation blanket, and door weather-stripping.

Rebates

In addition to the Home Energy Assessment, the homeowner may also be eligible to receive an Energy Smart rebate. Energy Smart provides direct rebates for energy improvement projects and also maintains up-to-date information on other financial incentives from utilities, state and local governments, and federal tax credits.

Through its Renewable Energy Rebate Program, Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) offers a rebate to customers who install grid-connected solar-electric (photovoltaic, or PV) systems and solar water heaters. To calculate the PV system’s AC output, a de-rating factor is used to account for shading and suboptimal orientation or tilt.

All Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated from systems installed under this program are transferred to CSU for compliance with Colorado’s renewable portfolio standard.

The application, interconnection agreement, and other documents are available at the program website above. Qualifying PV modules and inverters must be included in the California Energy Commission's (CEC) lists of eligible equipment. Qualifying systems must also carry minimum manufacturer or installer warranties as outlined in the program guidelines.

Colorado Springs Utilities recommends (but does not require) that all PV systems be designed and installed by professional installers certified by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) or the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners NABCEP. CSU also recommends taking advantage of the utility’s energy efficiency programs—including residential energy efficiency rebates—before installing a PV system.

Note: Funding for the residential renewable energy rebates is fully reserved for 2015. Residential customers can still complete a reservation form to be added to a waiting list and will be notified if additional funding becomes available.

EnergySmart services are available to all businesses within Boulder County.

EnergySmart offers a full suite of energy efficiency services. EnergySmart helps businesses (and homeowners) identify and implement energy efficiency improvements. The “One Stop Shop” aims to reduce the hassles and hurdles associated with improving the energy efficiency and comfort of a home or business by providing an expert Energy Advisor to each participant. The Advisor assists with scheduling an energy assessment, reviewing contractor bids, and identifying and applying for all applicable incentives.

EnergySmart also provides rebates to commercial building owners and businesses for a wide variety of energy efficient technologies. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and other renewable energy measures may also be eligible for rebates.

The total of all incentives (i.e., EnergySmart rebates, utility rebates, grants, and other available incentives) will be limited to 50-70% of project cost of eligible measures, depending on the type of technology. HVAC projects are also capped at $7,500, whichever limit occurs first. A $10,000 rebate limit will be applied to renewable energy projects, and demonstrated energy efficiency performance or improvements are required first.

United Power, together with Tri-State Generation and Transmission (TSGT), offers rebates for the installation of a variety of energy efficient equipment including heating and cooling systems, water heaters, home appliances, and LEDs. Customers should contact a United Power Member Services representative prior to purchasing HVAC equipment to ensure efficiency requirements are met. All credits must be requested within 180 days of installation. These rebates typically target residential customers, however commercial and industrial customers are eligible for rebates as well. An inspection report signed by a United Power Energy Management Specialist is required to qualify for any of these credits.  

United Power, in conjunction with wholesale power supplier Tri-State Generation & Transmission (TSGT), offers rebates for the installation of a variety of commercial energy efficient equipment including:  motors, general lighting, street lighting, and refrigeration lighting. Customers should contact a United Power Member Services representative prior to purchasing and installing any new equipment to ensure program requirements are met. All credits must be requested within 180 days of installation. Motor rebates are available through both TSGT and United Power, while all lighting rebates are only provided by TSGT. 

Southeast Colorado Power Association (SECPA) offers a variety of rebates to customers who purchase and install energy efficient appliances, motors and HVAC equipment. This equipment includes water heaters, air-source, water-source and geothermal heat pumps, air conditioners, motors, ETS units, dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators and freezers, and radiant heaters. Commercial and residential customers are eligible for these rebates. All efficiency requirements and program procedures must be met in order to be eligible for rebate payment. Some rebates on pieces of equipment vary by size, capacity, or efficiency.

The Sangre De Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) offers the Energy Efficiency Credit Program, a rebate program which offers incentives for space heaters, water heaters and appliances. 

In order to receive space heating rebates, insulation levels must meet program requirements. Rebate amounts are: $10 per kilowatt for resistive devices, $25 per kilowatt for electric thermal storage devices and $25 per timer installed. Heat pumps are also eligible for rebates; customers should contact SDCEA for more information on amounts and eligibility. 

New and replacement water heaters are also eligible for rebates under this program. Water heaters are eligible for a $100 rebate per unit, and a $25 rebate per timer device. In addition, the customer can receive a $25 rebate for purchasing a lifetime warranty on the water heater. 

The Energy Star Appliance Program provides $40 rebates on refrigerators/freezers, clothes washers, and dishwashers. Customers must submit a receipt and an application signed by an SDCEA representative within 180 days of the equipment purchase. 

 

San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) offers a variety of rebates to customers for the purchase and installation of energy efficient equipment and appliances. Both residential and commercial customers are eligible to participate in this program. Eligible equipment includes geothermal heat pumps, central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, electric motors, lighting measures, and weatherization measures. All purchased appliances must be EnergyStar rated in order to qualify. To participate, fill out the Energy Efficiency Credit Application within 180 days of the installation and provide proof of purchase for specified equipment. Rebates will be dispensed to customers through a one-time check. 

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA), a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, offers residential energy efficiency rebate programs for qualified residential water heaters, heat pumps, space heating equipment, refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers, and clothes washers. Incentive amounts vary by the size and efficiency of the system.

Additionally, PVREA is offering rebates to qualifying existing homeowners for the installation of insulation and air sealing measures. The program provides a rebate to homeowners that insulate and air-seal their attics and exterior walls to the recommended R-Values presented in the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. Rebates are limited to 40% of the total cost of insulation and air sealing upgrades or $300, whichever is less.