Rebates

Atmos Energy offers a variety of rebates to its residential and small commercial customers. All equipment must meet certain energy efficiency standards listed on the program website. Applications must be submitted with a copy of the receipt/invoice and equipment must be purchased in accordance with Atmos Energy guidelines.

Atmos Energy also offers a custom rebate program for large commercial and industrial customers. Contact the utility for more information on this program.

Black Hills Energy (BHE) offers rebates for residential Colorado customers who purchase energy-efficient residential equipment. This program offers rebates for customers who purchase and install energy efficient HVAC equipment, appliances, insulation measures, and water heating equipment. Individual pieces of equipment have specific efficiency requirements which can be seen on the program application form at the web site listed above. Customers should contact BHE or visit the program website for more information on these rebates. Program may not be available in all Colorado service areas.

Black Hills Energy (BHE) offers a variety of rebates for residential Colorado customers who purchase and install energy efficient natural gas appliances, heating equipment and insulation materials. This program offers rebates for customers who purchase and install energy efficient furnaces, insulation, integrated space and water heaters, and programmable thermostats. Individual pieces of equipment have specific requirements which can be seen on the program application form. Forms may be found on the program web site listed above. 

Additionally, builders of energy efficient new homes may also be eligible for incentives through Black Hills Energy. For more information on incentives for builders

Black Hills Energy offers a $500 electric vehicle charging rebate to help reduce home charging and installation costs. For more information, visit the program website.

Black Hills Energy has a performance-based incentive (PBI) for photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 500 kilowatts (kW) in capacity. In exchange for a PBI, Black Hills Energy earns the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the PV-generated electricity for a period of time.

All incentive payments are subject to the availability of funds and a pre-installation site inspection. Black Hills Energy has established participation caps for each tier. The status of funding availability for each tier is available on the website above. PV installations are subject to on-site supervision by a NABCEP-certified professional to maintain a 3:1 ratio for the

The Elevations Energy Loan can be used to finance a wide variety of efficiency and renewable energy projects in homes and businesses. Homes and businesses located in Boulder County or the City and County of Denver are eligible for the low-cost financing. Loan applicants receive assistance from an Energy Advisor through EnergySmart and Denver Energy Challenge, respectively. Homeowners must select from a qualified pool of contractors. All borrowers will be required to pay a $25 processing fee and become members of Elevations Credit Union.

Elevations Credit Union has partnered with Boulder County and the City/County of Denver to offer

Note: Funds provided by Boulder County for rebates have been fully expended for 2016. However, utilities and some cities continue to offer rebates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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

EnergySmart for Boulder County helps residents identify, finance, and schedule energy improvements in their homes. This “One Stop Shop” aims to reduce the hassles and hurdles associated with improving a home’s energy efficiency by providing an energy advisor to each participant at no cost. The advisor serves as a guide and advocate by scheduling a home energy assessment, installing free energy conservation materials, identifying and applying for all applicable incentives, and coordinating work through an approved list of contractors. 

Homeowners can receive rebates through EnergySmart on selected efficiency improvements. EnergySmart rebates can be combined with local utility rebates. Multi-Family Units

Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) provides free expert advisor services and financial incentives* to help businesses measure their energy, waste, water, and transportation achievements. PACE Partners are businesses committed to supporting a strong economy, implementing environmentally sustainable practices, and demonstrating leadership in our community.

Whether you are a business, a property owner or manager, or a contractor, PACE can help you advance your environmental performance goals.

For businesses: expert business sustainability advisors provide support in using energy and water more efficiently, reducing waste, and finding better transportation options for employees.

For property owners or managers: advisors

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

Colorado is a home rule state, so no statewide energy code exists, although state government buildings do have specific requirements. Voluntary adoption of energy codes is encouraged and efforts through grants are directed toward informing local jurisdictions of the benefits of energy efficiency standards and providing materials and training to support code implementation

In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activities subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing and

The Elevations Energy Loan can be used to finance a wide variety of efficiency and renewable energy projects in homes and businesses. Homes and businesses located in Boulder County or the City and County of Denver are eligible for the low-cost financing. Loan applicants receive assistance from an Energy Advisor through EnergySmart and Denver Energy Challenge, respectively. Homeowners must select from a qualified pool of contractors. All borrowers will be required to pay a $25 processing fee and become members of Elevations Credit Union.

Elevations Credit Union has partnered with Boulder County and the City/County of Denver to offer

The City and County of Denver was designated the first "Solar Friendly Community" in the nation based upon its streamlined permitting process.

Denver provides same-day permit review for most solar panel projects. Electrical, Plumbing, and Zoning Permits* are required for photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in the city of Denver, although more complex engineering projects may still be required to go through the Plan Review process.

Permitting Process

Zoning Permits are required if the panels will be installed at an angle to the slope of the roof and are not "flush mounted," or if a generator or energy storage system is

The City of Aspen offers a variety of incentives to its commercial customers to encourage the use of energy efficient products. Rebates are available for water heaters, low flow fixtures, toilets, solar photovoltaics, geothermal heat pumps, and custom projects.

For water efficiency rebates, contact the City of Aspen Climate Action Office at [email protected] or 970-920-5039.

For custom rebates, schedule a custom rebate consultation by calling at 970-925-9775.

For more information on any of these programs, visit the program website.

The City of Aspen encourages interested residents and businesses to increase the energy efficiency of homes and offices through rebates and incentives for single-family, multi-family, and commercial buildings. Rebates are available for heat pumps, solar photovoltaics, air sealing, insulation, heat pump water heaters, lighting, refrigerators, clothes dryers, and induction stoves. Custom rebates are available for incentives not specifically offered by the utility, but require pre-approval. The program also provides bonus rebates for certain eligible groups. More information on 2023 rebates can be found here.

Note: As of September 2015, Aspen obtains 100% of its electricity from renewable sources (46% hydroelectric, 53% wind, 1% landfill gas).

In 2005, the City of Aspen set a renewable portfolio goal that has since been increased to 100% renewable energy by 2015. In 2013, 75% of Aspen’s electricity was generated using renewable resources, predominantly hydro and wind.

Approximately 27% of the electricity used by the City of Aspen comes from wind turbines located in Kimball, Nebraska. An additional 45% of the City's electricity comes from hydroelectric plants.  

Building Codes

The City of Aspen and Pitkin County have adopted both the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)—with some amendments—and an Efficient Building Code. 

The Efficient Building ordinance was adopted in 2003 with the intent to encourage cost-effective and sustainable building methods that, among other goals, conserve energy. The code applies to new, remodeled, or additions to one- and two-family dwellings and multiple family dwellings not more than 3 stories in height. These dwellings are required to earn a specific number of points by completing sustainable building practices that can include energy efficiency measures, including installing ENERGY STAR appliances

In November 2006, citizens of Boulder, Colorado, voted to approve Ballot Issue No. 202, authorizing the city council to levy and collect an excise tax from residential, commercial, and industrial electricity customers for the purpose of funding a climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan outlines programs to increase energy efficiency, increase renewable energy use, reduce emissions from motor vehicles, and take other steps toward the goal of meeting the Kyoto Protocol. The fund is currently investing in solar generation projects, electric vehicle's, and community solar gardens.

In 2002, the Boulder City Council passed Resolution 906, committing

Residential

The Boulder Green Points Building Program is a mandatory residential green building program that requires a builder or homeowner to include a minimum amount of sustainable building components based on the size of the proposed structure. Similar to the US Green Building Council's LEED program, the Boulder Green Points program awards points for a menu of sustainable building practices. Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are among the optional components a builder can use to earn points.

New construction projects also must show energy efficiency compliance through the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). The required HERS index varies according

As of October 1, 2014, the City of Boulder has 2,084 kilowatts of solar photovoltaics (PV) installed at city facilities with an additional 1 megawatt (MW) being developed. In addition to the PV, each of the three city-owned recreation center pools is partially heated with solar thermal systems generating 32,000 therms annually. For more information visit the city website.

The City of Boulder enacted an ordinance in 1982 to guarantee access to sunlight for homeowners and renters.

Solar Access

Solar access is guaranteed setting limits on the amount of permitted shading by new construction. The degree of solar access protection is defined by either a 12 foot or 25 foot hypothetical "solar fence" on the property lines of the protected buildings. The ordinance is designed to protect access for a 4-hour period on December 21st. Under most circumstances, new structures will not be allowed to shade adjacent lots to a greater extent than the applicable solar fence.

There are

The Solar Grant Program provides grants for PV and solar water heating installations on income-qualified homes, site-based non-profit organizations, and low- to moderate-income housing owned and/or developed by a non-profit organization. Individual grant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis but generally will not exceed 50%, or $8,000, of the total out-of-pocket costs for the project after all rebates, tax credits, and other incentives are subtracted. There are two grant cycles each year. Submissions are due by April 30 and October 31. Additional information and grant applications can be found on the website listed above.

The Solar Grant Program is

In 2006, the City of Boulder established a solar sales and use tax rebate for photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heating installations. Solar system owners may receive a rebate (essentially a tax refund) drawn from the unrestricted tax revenues collected from solar energy sales.

Out of the sales and use taxes paid to the City of Boulder for solar projects, approximately 55% of revenues go to restricted funds. Within one year of the city’s final inspection, solar project owners can apply to receive a refund of 35% from the amount paid to unrestricted (general) funds, making the value of the

Executive Order 123, first signed in October 2007, established the Greenprint Denver Office and the sustainability policy for the city. In March 2013, Executive Order 123 was updated to create the Office of Sustainability—the successor to the Greenprint Denver Office—and establish key sustainability policies for the City and County of Denver.

The updated Executive Order 123 states that “all buildings constructed, renovated, or maintained with City funds or using City bonding capacity are to be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained according to the principles outlined in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, the

Note: The Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) Program. The IRA established the main parameters for this program, but allowed the states to customize the program to meet their state-specific needs. The program is designed to award rebates for purchase of qualifying home electrification equipment and appliances. Residents earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) can receive the full rebate amount, and residents earning between 80% and 150% AMI can receive a partial rebate. See summary below and program website for complete details. 

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) will receive

Colorado Natural Gas offers the Excess is Out Program for residential and commercial customers in Colorado.

Residential Customers

For residential customers, begin by requesting a free energy audit from Colorado Natural Gas. This service offers a complete evaluation of your home's energy efficiency. The auditor will install natural gas conservation measures at no cost to you. To be eligible for an audit customers must meet the following criteria:

• You are a residential customer of Colorado Natural Gas
• Your home is heated with natural gas
• Your home is at least 10 years old
• You have not received an audit from this

• Low, fixed interest rates starting at 2.74%
• No money down; finance up to 100% of project cost
• Loan terms up to 15 years (or 20 years for solar PV)
• Loans up to $75,000
• No prepayment penalties
  

• Solar PV & solar thermal
• Space heating & cooling
• Battery storage
• EV charging
• Insulation & air sealing
• Water heating
• Windows & doors
• Check here for a full list of eligible improvements
  

The Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Business Energy and Water Efficiency Rebate Program offers a variety of incentives to business customers for energy and water efficiency measures. Full efficiency and equipment guidelines are on the program website. Some rebates vary by the size, capacity or efficiency of purchased equipment. To receive a rebate, complete the application form with all necessary information.  Contact CSU or visit the program website listed above for other information.

NOTE: CSU is not offering a solar energy rebate in 2023.

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. 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

Colorado Springs Utilities offers a variety of energy and water efficiency incentives to its residential customers through the Residential Rebate Program. See program website for complete details. 

[Link to Black Hills Energy's webpage]

H.B. 1342 of 2010 authorized the development of community solar gardens (CSGs) in the service territory of investor-owned utilities in Colorado. H.B. 1003, enacted in 2019 increased the maximum size of a CSG from 2 megawatts to 5 megawatts, and allowed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to increase the maximum size to 10 megawatts beginning July 1, 2023. The legislation also removed the requirement that a CSG subscriber's identified physical location be in the same or adjacent county as the CSG, though both locations must be within the service territory of

Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) has partnered with Housing Resources of Western Colorado to offer a free home weatherization service to its residential customers. Eligible members will get a free comprehensive energy audit to determine what areas need improvement. Weatherization improvements include insulation, appliance replacements, lighting upgrades, furnace replacements, duct sealing, and others.

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

Residents of Boulder, Eagle, Gunnison, Lake, Pueblo and surrounding counties, Roaring Fork Valley, Southwest Colorado, Summit, Park, Yampa Valley, Routt, and Moffat 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.

In addition to this, the program also offers utility efficiency rebates of varying sizes for customers of City of Aspen Electric, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy

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

Efficiency Works for Homes is a residential energy efficiency rebate program offered by four utilities through the Platte River Power Authority: 

• Estes Park Light & Power
• Fort Collins Utilities
• Longmont Power & Communications
• Loveland Water & Power

Visit the program website for more information on rebates or rebate amounts.

The State of Colorado offers an income tax credit for the purchase or lease of an electric motor vehicle, a plug-in hybrid motor vehicle, or an original equipment manufacturer electric/plug-in hybrid electric truck.

Empire Electric Association and its wholesale power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association pay incentives to residential members purchase and install qualifying Energy Star® appliances, outdoor electric equipment, or electric vehicle chargers. 

Credit must be requested within 90 days of purchase.

Note: This incentive is not available for renewable energy projects coming into service on or after January 1, 2021; a bill to extend the credit's availability was introduced in the 2020 legislative session but did not pass.

Colorado's Enterprise Zone (EZ) program provides tax incentives to encourage businesses to locate and expand in designated economically distressed areas of the state -- those having a high unemployment rate, low per capita income, or a low population growth rate.  A taxpayer may claim an EZ investment tax credit for qualified investments located in an enterprise zone. The income tax credit is

The City Council of Fort Collins passed a resolution in September 2006 establishing green building goals for new city-owned buildings of 5,000 square feet or more. New buildings must be designed and constructed to achieve US Green Building Council LEED Gold certification, and existing buildings are to use the LEED standard as a guide for sustainable operation and maintenance, though no specific requirements are established.

To control the construction and design costs associated with new buildings meeting this standard, the goal of Gold can be reduced to Silver for projects where the payback period for earning Gold certification is ten

Fort Collins Utilities offers its residential customers low-interest loans that may be used to finance up to 100% of the cost of eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at existing homes. This loan program offers no-money-down financing for up to 15 years. See the program website for more information, or see contacts below.

Fort Collins Utilities offers a number of appliance and recycling rebates to residential and small commercial customers. Applications for equipment rebates are available on the Fort Collins web site as well as at select local manufacturers and retailers. Fort Collins Utilities has also partnered with local retailers to bring you energy efficient lighting at a discounted rate.

Additional rebates are available for Fort Collins Utilities customers through Efficiency Works. Contact the utility or visit the program website for more information.

The Green Colorado Credit Reserve (GCCR) is a loan loss reserve that was created by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to incentivize private lenders throughout Colorado to make small commercial loans up to $100,000 for capital improvements that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. The GCCR is administered by the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) on behalf of the CEO.

How the Loan Loss Reserve Works

For each loan made by a participating lender, the GCCR will provide a loan loss reserve equal to 15% of the amount of the loan. For example, if a participating lender makes a loan

History

Colorado has established mandatory sustainability requirements for the design and construction of state-owned buildings (including schools), state-assisted buildings, and publicly-assisted housing projects buildings. In July 2005, Colorado’s governor signed Executive Order D005 05, mandating that state agencies and departments evaluate business operations and implement new programs “to promote environmentally sustainable and economically efficient practices.” The order also created the Colorado Greening Government Coordinating Council (CGGCC), made up of representatives from each state agency and department, to develop and implement new conservation policies and augment existing ones.

Green Goals

In October 2015, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed Executive Order D

Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) can help electric vehicle owners with rebates on used EVs, electric motorcycles and mopeds, and EV chargers.  Customers must apply within 90 days of purchase. For more information, visit the program website.

Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA), a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, has a residential rebate program for eligible Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, heating, motors, outdoor equipment, and more. All efficiency requirements set forth by GCEA must be met in order to receive rebates.

Rebates must be requested within 90 days of installation. Rebates are offered in conjunction with Tri-State Generation and Transmission; therefore, the amounts listed above represent the combined rebate provided by both GCEA and Tri-State. Proof of purchase and Energy Star certification required to receive rebates. See GCEA’s website for additional information on residential and commercial rebates, program details

Holy Cross Energy offers free or discounted EVSE for both residential and commercial customers. For more information, contact the utility or visit the program website.

Holy Cross Energy's WE CARE (With Efficiency, Conservation And Renewable Energy) Program offers an incentive for customers who install renewable energy generation for net metering at their premises. Eligible renewable energy technologies include wind, hydroelectric, photovoltaic, biomass, and geothermal sources.

Incentive

The incentive offered varies by the size of the renewable energy system as follows:

• $250 per kW for the first 6 kW of a system, and
  
• $100 per kW for the next 19 kW of a system.

Holy Cross Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, has developed a voluntary carbon reduction strategy designed to slow the growth of carbon dioxide emissions created in the generation of electricity used by consumers. Eligible equipment includes LED lighting, programmable thermostats, heat pumps and insulation. A home energy audit may also be available to participating customers. See the program web site for full details, an application, and important contact information.

In December 2005 the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopted standards for net metering and interconnection, as required by Amendment 37, a renewable energy ballot initiative approved by Colorado voters in November 2004. The interconnection rules were overhauled in July 2021.

The PUC standards generally apply to investor-owned utilities (IOUs) with 40,000 or more customers and all electric cooperatives. Municipal utilities with 5,000 customers or more are required to adopt interconnection rules that are functionally similar to the PUC's standards (see H.B. 08-1160). Electric cooperatives and municipal utilities may reduce or waive any insurance requirements that apply to IOUs.

Colorado’s

La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) offers an incentive, not to exceed the cost of the system, to residential and small commercial customers who install a photovoltaic (PV), wind, or hydropower facility. To be eligible for the rebate, the system must be grid-tied and located in LPEA's service territory. Systems 10 kilowatts (kW) or less are eligible for an upfront incentive based on the nameplate capacity and other factors. Systems greater than 10 kW are eligible for a performance-based incentive.

Payments are made every 6 months for the first 10 years of operation.

Customers interested in installing wind or hydro systems

La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) offers a variety of rebates for its residential members to improve the efficiency of their homes. Rebates are available for a variety of Energy Star appliances, the recycling of a refrigerator or freezer, electric water heaters, HVAC equipment, LED light bulbs and more.

Customers have 90 days from date of purchase to apply for the rebate. Rebates will be credited to LPEA customers’ electric bills within the following billing cycle.

Visit the program website for more information.

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

Residents of Boulder, Eagle, Gunnison, Lake, Pueblo and surrounding counties, Roaring Fork Valley, Southwest Colorado, Summit, Park, Yampa Valley, Routt, and Moffat 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.

In addition to this, the program also offers utility efficiency rebates of varying sizes for customers of City of Aspen Electric, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy

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

Colorado enacted SB07-145 in April 2007, authorizing counties and municipalities to offer property or sales tax rebates or credits to residential and commercial property owners who install renewable energy systems on their property. 

Local governments can enact incentive payments or property tax rebates under certain circumstances related to economic development. A county, municipality, or special district can enter into negotiations for an incentive payment with owners of new business facilities. A county, municipality, or special district may also negotiate an incentive payment or credit with owners of existing business facilities, located in their jurisdiction, based on verifiable documentation demonstrating that

Note: See the supplemental Sales & Use Tax Topics: Renewable Energy Components Form for more information.

Colorado enacted S.B. 07-145 in April 2007, authorizing counties and municipalities to offer property or sales tax rebates or credits to residential and commercial property owners who install renewable energy systems on their property. 

Eligible renewable energy property is defined as "any fixture, product, system, device or interacting group of devices that produce electricity from renewable resources, including, but not limited to, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, small wind systems, biomass systems, or geothermal systems."

The incentive is administered at the local level by

Longmont Power & Communications offers incentives to residential and commercial customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Currently, Longmont Power & Communications offers incentives for high-efficiency toilets and residential irrigation equipment. For more information, visit the program website or contact Longmont Power & Communications.

Loveland Water & Power is providing an incentive for customers to recycle older, working refrigerators. Interested customers can call the utility to arrange a time to pick up the old refrigerator. The old refrigerator should be brought outside but remain plugged in so the utility can make sure it is in working condition. The utility will then take the refrigerator to a recycling facility and issue a $35 bill credit.

Loveland Water & Power (LWP) offers Energy Efficiency Programs for customers in its service area. From the website customers can track their energy usage, apply for rebates for energy efficiency measures, schedule home energy assessments, and recycle used refrigerators. See the website above for more details or contact Loveland Water and Power.

Municipal electric utilities serving more than 40,000 customers in Colorado must offer an optional green-power program that allows retail customers the choice of supporting emerging renewable technologies. The renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the resources are retired upon their sale to a customer, and may not be used for compliance with Colorado's renewable portfolio standard.

At the request of a customer or a potential customer, Colorado electric utilities are required to conduct a cost comparison of a photovoltaic (PV) system to any proposed distribution line extension if the customer or potential customer provides the utility with load data (estimated monthly kilowatt-hour usage) requested by the utility to conduct the comparison, and if the customer's or potential customer's peak demand is estimated to be less than 25 kilowatts (kW). In performing the comparison analysis, the utility must consider line-extension distance, overhead or underground construction, terrain, other variable construction costs, and the probability of additions to the

Morgan County REA and Tri-State G&T offers our members Energy Efficiency Credits (rebates) for the installation of qualifying energy efficient electric heating/cooling, electric water heaters, electric motors, electric appliances, and LED light bulbs. The complete MCREA Energy Efficiency Credits Program with details as to what qualifies for rebates can be found at the links above

General Requirements:

• Must be installed on Morgan County REA lines
• Rebates must be submitted within 90 days of purchase
• Dated invoice or bill of sale required
• Appliances must be Energy Star rated
• Program incentives subject to change from year to year
  
  

Mountain View Electric Association, Inc. (MVEA) and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc., MVEA’s power supplier, offers rebates to MVEA residential and commercial customers who install qualifying energy efficiency equipment and appliances.  All equipment requirements must be met in order to receive these credits. For more information on applying, eligibility, and incentive payments, contact MVEA, or review the program website.

In December 2005 the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopted standards for net metering and interconnection, as required by Amendment 37, a renewable energy ballot initiative approved by Colorado voters in November 2004.

Customer-generators are eligible for net metering in Colorado for retail renewable distributed generation. The following sections describe the rules that apply to investor-owned utilities (IOUs), with the last section detailing net metering for municipal utilities and electric cooperatives. All utilities subject to the below net metering rules are required to provide net metering service at non-discriminatory rates to customer-generators.

Systems sized up to 200% of

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA), a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, offers a variety of lighting rebates to commercial and residential customers. Rebates are available on appliances, heating & cooling, residential LED lighting, outdoor power equipment, EVs, programmable thermostats, commercial & industrial motors, motor VFDs, commercial LED lighting, as well as income-qualified projects.

Visit the program website for more information.

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA), a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, offers residential energy efficiency rebate programs for qualified residential heat pumps, air conditioners refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, residential water heaters, and LED lighting. Incentive amounts vary by the size and efficiency of the system; specific details are listed on the program web site.

PVREA is also 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. For

Note: As of January 1, 2021, this incentive is no longer available.

Community solar gardens are classified as locally assessed properties for the purpose of property taxation. H.B. 1101 exempts from property tax the percentage of electricity capacity (AC) of a community solar garden that is attributed to residential subscribers, governmental subscribers, or organizations that already have been granted property tax-exempt status. The property tax exemption is for the tax years beginning on January 1, 2015 and ending before January 1, 2021. 

Property Tax Exemption

Renewable energy personal property that is located on a residential classified property, owned by the residential property owner, and produces energy that is used by the residential property is exempt from Colorado property taxation.

Independently owned residential solar electric generation facilities that meet the criteria listed in § 39-1-102 (6.8), C.R.S. are exempt from Colorado property taxation under § 39-3-102, C.R.S. To qualify for the exemption the solar electric generation facility must be located on residential real property, used to produce electricity from solar energy primarily for use in the residential improvements, and have a production capacity

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Schools (REEES) Loan Program was created in 2009 to provide low-interest loans to school districts for the purpose of installing renewable energy systems and purchasing energy efficient school buses. The program was amended in May 2014 via S.B. 14-202 to broaden the scope of eligible energy efficiency projects to include all projects that result in a more efficient use of energy or resources, including water conservation projects. Eligible types of renewable energy include wind, solar, biomass, small hydro, and “other sources of renewable energy.”

Renewable energy project loans are provided to qualified school

Locally Assessed Renewable Energy Property

Solar photovoltaic (PV), including agrivoltaics and floatovoltaics, and wind energy facilities with a capacity of 2 megawatts (MW) AC or less are assessed locally for property taxes. Additionally, low impact hydro, geothermal, and biomass facilities with a capacity of 2 MW or less and which were placed in service prior to January 1, 2010, are also assessed locally for property taxes. In assigning value to renewable energy property, local assessors are required to use the cost approach outlined in the Assessors' Reference Library. Assessors must also examine the sales comparison and income approaches, both described in

Enacted May 2015, S.B. 15-254 extends the 3.0 credit multiplier for municipal utilities to systems under contract for development by August 1, 2015, and producing electricity before December 31, 2015.

Colorado became the first state in the U.S. to enact a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) by ballot initiative (i.e., via an initiated state statute) when voters approved the Colorado Renewable Energy Requirement Initiative, also known as Amendment 37, in November 2004. Each qualifying retail utility is required to generate or cause to be generated electricity from eligible energy resources in the following proportions of its retail electricity sales for

As of 6/1/22, the RENU Loan Program has effectively migrated to the Colorado Clean Energy Fund. Please direct all RENU inquiries to [email protected]. You can find updated RENU resources & information by visiting www.cocleanenergyfund.com/renu

The Colorado Clean Energy Fund provides loans for home energy upgrades through the Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan Program. Participants must work with a RENU-approved contractor to identify energy improvements and receive a cost estimate. Customers must then apply for the loan through Elevations Credit Union.  See website above for more information.

Who is Eligible for RENU?

Property owners of existing, single-family homes in Colorado including

For details on available rebates, check here

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

Residents of Boulder, Eagle, Gunnison, Lake, Pueblo and surrounding counties, Roaring Fork Valley, Southwest Colorado, Summit, Park, Yampa Valley, Routt, and Moffat 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.

In addition to this, the program also offers utility efficiency rebates of varying sizes for customers of City of

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

Colorado exempts from the state's sales and use tax all sales, storage, and use of components used in the production of alternating current electricity from a renewable energy source for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2006. The exemption for systems which produce electricity from a renewable resource includes, but is not limited to, photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar thermal-electric systems, small wind systems, biomass systems, or geothermal systems.

Effective July 1, 2009, through July 1, 2017, all sales, storage, and use of components used in solar thermal systems are exempt from the state's sales and use tax.  Effective

The sale, storage, and use of energy storage systems for residential dwellings is exemption from sales tax in Colorado.

San Isabel Electric Association offers rebates for electric vehicles. A $500 rebate is available for EV purchases. Level 2 chargers without network capability are available for a rebate of 50% of the cost up to $250. Level 2 chargers with network capability have a rebate of 50% of cost up to $1,000. For DCFC, there is a rebate of 50% of the cost up to $3,000 for DCFC of at least 50 kW and $5,000 for DCFC of at least 100 kW. For more information, visit the program website.

San Isabel Electric Association (SIEA) provides incentives for its residential customers to install energy efficient equipment. Rebates are available for energy star appliances, electric water heaters, outdoor power equipment, smart thermostats, air conditioning, electric thermal storage, insulation, electric heat pumps and electric vehicles that meet program requirements. Contact the utility or view the website above for complete details. View 2023 rebate list here.

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. 

Only current San Miguel Power Association members qualify for rebates and rebates can take up to 90 days to be processed. Rebate applications must be submitted within 60 days of the purchase.

San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) is providing rebates to its residential and commercial customers for installing photovoltaic (PV), small wind, and small hydroelectric systems, as well as other renewable energy systems on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must own the system to qualify for the rebate. Systems leased from a third party are ineligible. 

See website above for more information.

The Sangre De Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) offers rebates for water heaters, appliances, commercial and residential LED lighting, heat pumps and outdoor power equipment. These rebates are a part of a collaboration between the SDCEA and their wholesale power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc..

To apply for these rebates, see program website for details on how to apply.

Owners of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water heating systems, geothermal electric systems, and geothermal space heating and cooling systems in Colorado are required to obtain a building permit before their systems may be installed. Permits are handled at the local level and awarded by counties and municipalities.

In effective August 10, 2022 the legislature enacted a statewide cap for permit fees for active solar energy and geothermal energy devices. For systems up to 2 MW-DC, counties and municipalities can charge no more than the lesser of the local government's actual cost to issue a permit or $500 for a

SourceGas offers the Excess is Out Program for residential customers in Colorado. The Excess is Out Program offers various rebates for the installation of energy efficient equipment. The Program offers incentives for energy efficient furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, equipment tune-ups, equipment insulation, and home insulation. All equipment must meet certain energy efficiency standards listed on the program website. 

Applications may be submitted via an online web form. All purchase and installation requirements must be met. Further instructions are available on the program website listed above. Consult Source Gas by phone or visit the program website for more information.

Southeast Colorado Power Association (SECPA) offers a variety of rebates to customers who purchase and install energy efficient appliances, motors and HVAC equipment. 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. Note that the rebates listed here are a combination of those offered by Tri-State and those offered by SECPA. Visit the program website for more information.

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

The Sustainable Rebuilding Program, run by the Colorado Energy Office, offers grants and loans to homeowners, owners of residential rental property, and businesses who need to rebuild their properties after a natural disaster. The program specifically provides funding for high performing, energy efficient, and resilient homes and structures. The grants and loans can be used to fund installation of high-efficiency heat pumps, renewable energy generation, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging stations. The money can also be used for products to achieve advanced energy certifications from federal programs and to brings buildings up-to-date with the most recent energy building code

The Sustainable Rebuilding Program, run by the Colorado Energy Office, offers grants and loans to homeowners, owners of residential rental property, and businesses who need to rebuild their properties after a natural disaster. The program specifically provides funding for high performing, energy efficient, and resilient homes and structures. The grants and loans can be used to fund installation of high-efficiency heat pumps, renewable energy generation, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging stations. The money can also be used for products to achieve advanced energy certifications from federal programs and to brings buildings up-to-date with the most recent energy building code

Purchasers of energy storage systems in Colorado will receive a tax credit equal to 10% of the purchase price. The tax credit is imposed at the point of sale; the buyer receives a 10% discount, while the seller will apply to the government for the credit.

United Power is providing rebates to their customers for the purchase of photovoltaic (PV), wind, and solar water heating systems. These incentives are separate from the rebates provided by the Colorado Governor's Energy Office and require separate applications. PV and wind systems must be grid-connected. Systems up to 25 kW in capacity may be installed, but United Power will only provide a rebate for the first 3 kW. Systems installed as part of new construction or residential development properties are not eligible for this program.

United Power, together with Tri-State Generation and Transmission (TSGT), offers rebates for the installation of a variety of energy efficient appliances, including electric water heaters, heat pumps, and more. 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 90 days of installation. An inspection report signed by a United Power Energy Management Specialist is required to qualify for any of these credits. Visit the program website for more information.

Xcel Energy residential natural gas customers in Colorado can qualify for cash incentives on a variety of energy efficient products. Standard rebates are available for furnaces, boilers, water heaters, insulation, and air sealing that meet the program requirements. Rebate program expiration dates may vary depending on the technology. Consult the program website for details.

Xcel Energy offers Energy Design Assistance (EDA) to qualified Colorado business customers. EDA gives customers a comprehensive approach to energy and cost savings for businesses considering new construction or renovation projects. EDA services can be tailored to the unique needs of each business. Featured services include: energy consulting services and predictive energy modeling, free to participants; enhanced services, including help toward a green building certification and early analyses in areas such as daylighting, lighting, massing, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); construction rebates for a package of whole building energy opportunities from envelope, lighting, and cooling to unique opportunities

The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program pays incentives for existing homes receiving gas and electric service from Xcel to take a whole-house approach to energy savings. Customers must complete all improvements before they are eligible to receive rebates. After a Home Energy Audit, participating contractors install the customer's recommended improvements, collect receipts, and submit rebate paperwork. 

To take advantage of these rebates, you must complete a Home Energy Audit first, and then perform a total of three improvements from the table above. If your auditor recommends attic insulation and bypass sealing or air sealing and weather stripping these specific improvements

Xcel Energy connects residential customers with third-party lender Elevations Credit Union to provide qualifying residential customers with access to loan products for home energy efficiency improvements. Loans for qualifying home energy efficiency projects can be combined with rebates to make projects even more affordable (loans are also available for non-rebated measures).

Elevations Energy Loans: In Boulder County, homeowners have access to low interest loans for energy improvements through the Energy Smart program. Further programs are offered throughout the State of Colorado through the RENU program, sponsored by the Colorado Clean Energy Fund.

Visit the program website for more information.

Xcel Energy residential customers in Colorado can qualify for cash incentives on a variety of energy efficient products and home improvements. Standard rebates are available for heat pumps, central A/C systems, ground source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and insulation that meet the program requirements. Consult the program website for more specific information on the rebate structure. Only equipment which meets minimum efficiency standards will be included in rebate program. Measures may require installation by pre-qualified contractors and are subject to Xcel Energy installation verification. 

• Must be an Xcel Energy residential or business electricity customer.
• Must have an active and valid account number and premise number.
• The customer's name on the application must match the name on the Xcel Energy account/bill.
• All equipment must be UL 1741 certified and listed within the Solar Equipment Lists on the California Energy Commission website opens in a new window.
• Must provide general

Note: The Solar*Rewards Program has capacity limits that are allocated on a monthly basis for the Small Program and quarterly for the Medium Program. These allocations typically fill quickly when the application windows open. Check the program website for the latest information on available capacity remaining and other program updates.

Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards Program provides incentives for customers who install grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems sized up to 120% of the average annual load of their homes and facilities. Xcel purchases the renewable energy credits (RECs) produced by the systems for a period of 20 years (unless other legal provision supersedes)