Homes in Denver come in a variety of shapes and sizes. More importantly, how we use energy at home varies when we take into account a home’s age and structure, the number of people living in the home, and the change in season throughout the year. Making your home energy efficient can improve comfort and indoor air quality while reducing your energy bills. It can also help the city meet its climate goals while protecting public health.
Denver Climate Action Rebates The city is incentivizing the deployment of highly efficient, all-electric energy equipment for Denver residents. Save hundreds of dollars while also helping save the planet! More information.
The city is incentivizing the deployment of highly efficient, all-electric energy equipment for Denver residents. As part of these rebates, Denver residents can also apply for up to a $1,200 instant rebate when purchasing a qualifying electric bike (e-bike) from a participating bike shop.
Who's eligible for Denver's Climate Action Rebate program? To utilize this program, you have to: Live in the City and County of Denver. Be using the rebate for at an existing residence. New construction is not eligible. Live in either an existing single-family homes or multi-family building of 4 units or less. Be Xcel Energy customer. How do I know if I'm income-qualified? Large discounts are available for income-qualified households ONLY through Energy Resource Center (720) 236-1321, info@erc-co.org. Energy Resource Center can submit applications for income-qualified residents, not regular contractors or individual residents. To meet the “Income-Qualified” requirement, the applicant must meet one of the following: current enrollment in the State of Colorado Low-Income-Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) current enrollment in Energy Outreach Colorado’s Colorado Affordable Residential Energy Program (CARE) current enrollment in Colorado’s Weather Assistance Program (WAP) current enrollment in another Xcel Energy income-qualified demand side management program current enrollment in Xcel Energy’s income-qualified Community Solar Gardens program current enrollment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) current enrollment in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF) current enrollment in Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) have a household income below 60% of the state of Colorado’s median income, below 200% of the relevant federal poverty level, or below 80% of area median income.
To utilize this program, you have to:
Large discounts are available for income-qualified households ONLY through Energy Resource Center (720) 236-1321, info@erc-co.org. Energy Resource Center can submit applications for income-qualified residents, not regular contractors or individual residents.
To meet the “Income-Qualified” requirement, the applicant must meet one of the following:
Denver Rebate Value (up to 80% of the total cost)
$500 $2750 (*only available with heat pump, heat pump water heater, or bidirectional EV charger install)
$2000 (*only available when paired with one of the other rebates)
Heat Pumps Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners for all climates. That’s right, heat pumps can heat AND cool. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space rather than generating heat. Heat Pump 101: During the winter, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm home. During the summer, heat pumps move heat from your house into the outdoors. There are three main types of heat pumps: air source, ground source, and mini-split. Air source heat pumps transfer heat between your house and the outside air. This can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50% if you use furnaces or baseboard heaters. Ground source heat pumps are more efficient and work better in cold climates. Ground source heat pumps transfer heat between your house and the ground, which often stays warmer than the air during very cold winters. Regular heat pumps operate best when the temperature is about 25 degrees, and cold climate heat pumps can operate effectively at outdoor temperatures down to 5 degrees. Heat pumps can be paired with backup heating systems for colder days. That way, the vast majority of the year you’re taking advantage of the higher efficiencies and lower operating costs of heat pumps, but are still able to stay warm when it’s especially cold out. For homes without ducts, mini-split heat pumps can provide many of the same benefits as air-source heat pumps without the need for extensive home renovations. If you’re ready to replace your existing heating and cooling system with a heat pump, you can find a contractor using Xcel Energy’s Registered Contractor List to install a heat pump from Xcel’s Eligible Equipment List. Income-qualified residents are eligible for incentives of up to 100% of installed project costs after taking advantage of Xcel’s rebates, or up to $6,000. Eligible Equipment Climate Action Rebate Amount Air source heat pump (high efficiency) $7,200 Air source heat pump (cold climate) $9,000 Ground source heat pump $1,800 per ton up to $9,000 Mini-split heat pump $4,500 Mini-split heat pump (cold climate) $5,400 More Information on Heat Pumps Heat Pump Water Heaters Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another. Instead of generating heat, they pull heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to heat water. Benefits include: Two to three times more energy efficient. Lower operating costs than conventional electric resistance water heaters. Year-round usage if installed in locations that remain between 40-90°F. You can even install an air-source heat pump that combines heating, cooling, and water heating. If you’re ready to replace your water heater with a heat pump, you can find a contractor using Xcel Energy’s Registered Contractor List. to install a heat pump from Xcel’s Eligible Equipment List. If you install a high-efficiency heat pump water heater you are eligible for a rebate of up to $1,400 and if you install a smart heat pump water heater you are eligible for a rebate of up to $3,200. If you are an income-qualified resident, the Climate Action Rebate program will cover 100% of your installed costs after taking advantage of Xcel’s rebates up to $6,000. Solar Thank you, Denver, for your enthusiasm to go solar! Solar rebates are on hold as we implement updates that support program administration and improve clarity for customers and solar installers. If you want to know when solar rebates are available again, please sign-up for notifications that we will share throughout the year. Battery Storage Battery storage pairs well with solar, even if you can’t put solar panels on your home. Battery storage can replace a backup gas generator, allowing you to keep essential devices operating during power outages. If you’re interested in installing a battery, the Climate Action Rebate program will provide $500 ($1,000 for income-qualified residents). This rebate assists with the cost of hiring a licensed electrician and installing a new battery system. You are eligible for an increased rebate of $2,750 ($4,750 for income-qualified residents) through the Climate Action Rebate program if you: Already have a heat pump, a heat pump water heater, or a bidirectional EV charger installed in your home, OR If your contractor is applying for a Climate Action Rebate program to install any of those three pieces of equipment at your home. You can use any licensed electrician to install this equipment as long as they are registered with the Climate Action Rebate program. Electric Vehicle Charging Home Wiring Level 1 charging cables can take a while if you own an electric vehicle. EV owners interested in charging up faster can consider installing a Level 2 charger at their home. The EV Charging Home Wiring Rebate provides up to $1,000 (up to $1,700 for income-qualified residents) to assist with installing either an Energy Star Certified Level 2 EV Charger or a home Tesla charger. You can use any licensed electrician to install this equipment as long as they are registered with the Climate Action Rebate program. If you are interested in renting an EV charger from Xcel and using our rebate to cover installation and wiring costs, you can sign up to participate in Xcel’s EV Accelerate at Home program. V2B/Bidirectional Electric Vehicle Charging Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more prevalent. Owners often want to take advantage of their large batteries and their ability to store electricity. Most EVs have their batteries charged and then use that power to drive around. Several “Vehicle 2 Home” or “bidirectional” chargers are now on the market, allowing fully-charged EVs to discharge their battery and return power to a home. Bidirectional chargers open up the potential for: Plugged-in EVs provide power back to the electrical grid at peak times to help keep up with electrical demand. This avoids bringing extra fossil fuel generating stations online. Extra power for the home during a power outage (helpful to keep a fridge or essential medical equipment running) If you’re interested in being a trailblazer, you can apply for up to $2,000 to cover installation costs (or up to $4,000 or 100% of installed costs for income-qualified residents). You can use any licensed electrician to install this equipment as long as they are registered with the Climate Action Rebate program. Electric Service Upgrade If you’re applying for a rebate, your home electrical panel may need an upgrade to support the extra electrical load. This add-on rebate helps cover the cost of that electrical upgrade, including a new panel and any associated wiring. Up to $2,000 is available (up to $4,000 for income-qualified residents) to applicants applying for another rebate through the Climate Action Rebate program. You can use any licensed electrician to install this equipment as long as they are registered with the Climate Action Rebate program.
Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners for all climates. That’s right, heat pumps can heat AND cool. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space rather than generating heat.
There are three main types of heat pumps: air source, ground source, and mini-split.
If you’re ready to replace your existing heating and cooling system with a heat pump, you can find a contractor using Xcel Energy’s Registered Contractor List to install a heat pump from Xcel’s Eligible Equipment List.
Income-qualified residents are eligible for incentives of up to 100% of installed project costs after taking advantage of Xcel’s rebates, or up to $6,000.
Air source heat pump (high efficiency)
Air source heat pump (cold climate)
Mini-split heat pump (cold climate)
More Information on Heat Pumps
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another. Instead of generating heat, they pull heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to heat water. Benefits include:
You can even install an air-source heat pump that combines heating, cooling, and water heating. If you’re ready to replace your water heater with a heat pump, you can find a contractor using Xcel Energy’s Registered Contractor List. to install a heat pump from Xcel’s Eligible Equipment List. If you install a high-efficiency heat pump water heater you are eligible for a rebate of up to $1,400 and if you install a smart heat pump water heater you are eligible for a rebate of up to $3,200. If you are an income-qualified resident, the Climate Action Rebate program will cover 100% of your installed costs after taking advantage of Xcel’s rebates up to $6,000.
Thank you, Denver, for your enthusiasm to go solar! Solar rebates are on hold as we implement updates that support program administration and improve clarity for customers and solar installers.
If you want to know when solar rebates are available again, please sign-up for notifications that we will share throughout the year.
Battery storage pairs well with solar, even if you can’t put solar panels on your home. Battery storage can replace a backup gas generator, allowing you to keep essential devices operating during power outages.
If you’re interested in installing a battery, the Climate Action Rebate program will provide $500 ($1,000 for income-qualified residents). This rebate assists with the cost of hiring a licensed electrician and installing a new battery system. You are eligible for an increased rebate of $2,750 ($4,750 for income-qualified residents) through the Climate Action Rebate program if you:
You can use any licensed electrician to install this equipment as long as they are registered with the Climate Action Rebate program.
Level 1 charging cables can take a while if you own an electric vehicle. EV owners interested in charging up faster can consider installing a Level 2 charger at their home. The EV Charging Home Wiring Rebate provides up to $1,000 (up to $1,700 for income-qualified residents) to assist with installing either an Energy Star Certified Level 2 EV Charger or a home Tesla charger.
You can use any licensed electrician to install this equipment as long as they are registered with the Climate Action Rebate program. If you are interested in renting an EV charger from Xcel and using our rebate to cover installation and wiring costs, you can sign up to participate in Xcel’s EV Accelerate at Home program.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more prevalent. Owners often want to take advantage of their large batteries and their ability to store electricity. Most EVs have their batteries charged and then use that power to drive around. Several “Vehicle 2 Home” or “bidirectional” chargers are now on the market, allowing fully-charged EVs to discharge their battery and return power to a home. Bidirectional chargers open up the potential for:
If you’re interested in being a trailblazer, you can apply for up to $2,000 to cover installation costs (or up to $4,000 or 100% of installed costs for income-qualified residents). You can use any licensed electrician to install this equipment as long as they are registered with the Climate Action Rebate program.
If you’re applying for a rebate, your home electrical panel may need an upgrade to support the extra electrical load. This add-on rebate helps cover the cost of that electrical upgrade, including a new panel and any associated wiring.
Up to $2,000 is available (up to $4,000 for income-qualified residents) to applicants applying for another rebate through the Climate Action Rebate program.
You can use any licensed electrician to install this equipment as long as they are registered with the Climate Action Rebate program.
This loan makes energy upgrades easy and affordable by offering low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
A home energy audit is a 2-3 hour diagnosis of your home performed by a certified and licensed auditor. The diagnostic tools used during an audit (blower door and infrared camera) are used to help diagnose a home when you can’t see issues with the naked eye. After the audit is complete, a report will identify opportunities to improve your home now, and into the future when it’s time to replace appliances such as your heating or cooling systems.
Xcel Energy offers a few programs you may wish to take advantage of to assess your home:
Instant rebates for select items like power strips available at the Xcel Energy Store: www.XcelEnergyStore.com
The Home Energy Squad through Xcel Energy offers a quick install home visit for one fee of $50. Call 303-446-7910 to learn more or visit www.XcelEnergy.com.
Learn how you can reduce gas use in your home from small appliances like stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor heaters.
Receive a $40 bill credit each year in October
On a few hot summer days a year, Xcel Energy may cycle your air conditioner off and on and will circulate the already-cooled air throughout your home.
Call Xcel at 800-895-4999 to enroll or learn more online.
Receive a $25 bill credit each year and qualify for up to $125 in additional rebates
Adjustments are made to your smart thermostat during the hottest summer days to help Xcel Energy manage the electric grid.
Customers can have a smart thermostat installed by Xcel Energy at no cost.
Call 800-895-4999 to enroll or learn more online.
Receive a $50 check by mail for each working fridge or freezer recycled
Plug in your fridge or freezer the night before the pickup date to show that it works when it is picked up the next day.
Call 866-552-8755 to make an appointment for your free refrigerator pickup or learn more online.
Get help paying a portion of your winter home heating costs
Households with a monthly gross income up to $4,561 for a family of 4 (60% of the state median) may qualify for heating assistance this winter through LEAP.
Call 866-432-8435 or go the website for more information.
Receive FREE energy efficiency evaluations and upgrades
Households with an annual income up to $80,0000 for a family of 4 (80% of the area median) may qualify for free energy efficiency upgrades such as energy audits, emergency repairs, and equipment replacement from Energy Outreach Colorado.
Call 303-226-5061 or go to the website for more information.
Receive FREE energy efficiency evaluations and upgrades
Households with an annual income up to $52,400 for a family of 4 (200% of federal poverty guidelines) and those that qualify for LEAP, SSI, SNAP, TANF, AND, or OAP, may qualify for free energy services such as insulation, HVAC upgrades, light bulb replacements, appliance replacements, and more.
Call 720-236-1321 or go to the website for more information.
General Inquiries sustainability@denvergov.org
Denver Climate Action Rebates climateactionrebates@denvergov.org 1-833-612-0622
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