Energy-Efficiency Funds and Demand Response Programs, Colorado

Updated July 2007

What public-purpose-funded energy efficiency programs are available in my state?

Colorado has no public-purpose-funded energy efficiency programs.

What utility energy efficiency programs are available to me?

Xcel Energy offers several energy efficiency programs (PDF 71 KB, 4 pp) in which federal agencies may participate: Download Adobe Reader

Rebates for specific energy-saving equipment are available through the Cooling Efficiency, Lighting Efficiency, Compressed Air Efficiency, and Motor Efficiency programs.
The Custom Efficiency program provides customized rebates for energy-efficient equipment not covered by Xcel's other energy efficiency programs.
Assistance and rebates are available for energy-efficient new construction through Xcel's Energy Design Assistance program. New facilities 50,000 square feet or larger qualify for free design assistance. Smaller facilities may still receive financial incentives for installing specific energy-saving equipment.
The Re-commissioning program covers up to 50% of the cost of a re-commissioning diagnosis for buildings at least 50,000 square feet in size. Rebates are also available for up to half the cost of implementing identified energy-saving measures.

Customers of Colorado Springs Utilities can take advantage of two energy efficiency programs:

The Business Lighting Rebate program provides incentives for T8 and electronic ballast lighting retrofits.
Peak Demand Rebates of $400/kW are available for energy-efficiency measures that reduce peak demand, including lighting, chillers, motors, HVAC, and other measures. Eligible projects must combine to a minimum 10 kW demand reduction during the summer weekday/non-holiday peak period.

What load management/demand response options are available to me?

Colorado Springs Utilities offers two load management opportunities in which federal customers may participate:

The Peak Demand Rebates program, described above, is available for installation of energy-efficiency measures that reduce peak demand.
The Kilowatcher program is offered to large customers (500 kW or higher electrical demand during the past 12 billing periods). The Kilowatcher rate option allows customers to buy electricity at a lower rate during on-peak hours, provided they curtail load up to 100 hours per contract year when called upon during pre-declared "Super Peak" periods.

What distributed energy resource options are available to me?

The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) website provides information on programs that offer incentives for renewable distributed generation.

Pursuant to the 2004 passage of Amendment 37, Colorado's utilities with 40,000 or more customers must provide a $2/watt rebate for solar PV systems (up to 100 kW) installed in their territory. For details, see Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards program, Colorado Springs Utilities' Renewable Energy Rebate program, and Aquila Energy's Onsite Solar Power Program.

Are there energy efficiency programs sponsored by the state government?

The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) offers the Rebuild Colorado program, which provides support for public agencies to invest in energy-efficiency improvements through performance contracting, sustainable design in new buildings, commissioning and other energy management strategies.

What additional opportunities are available to me?

Federal customers whose utilities have area-wide contracts with GSA and, by extension, all other federal agencies (e.g., Colorado Springs Utilities, Public Service Company of Colorado), may take advantage of additional energy efficiency opportunities. Federal facilities should contact their account executive to determine the level of participation by their local utility.