Program is on track to more than double number of customers served in 2023
The Efficiency Works Homes program and Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) recently formalized a partnership to provide a broader range of support for income-qualified customers, helping them to use their energy effectively and participate in the region’s transition to a noncarbon future.
Efficiency Works is a regional energy efficiency collaboration that provides guidance and resources for customers to use energy effectively, work toward a noncarbon energy future and build strong, resilient communities for those served by Platte River Power Authority in Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland.
“This unique partnership allows Platte River to fund measures beyond the conventional scope of CARE’s programming,” says Raj Singam Setti, chief operating officer, innovation and resource strategy integration, for Platte River. “We are honored to help lead the nation in providing customers of all financial backgrounds the opportunity to participate in the energy transition.”
The Colorado Affordable Residential Energy (CARE) program, administered by EOC, aims to expand the impact of no-cost-to-customer home energy upgrades to those who meet the income-qualified requirements. Through its partnership with Efficiency Works, the CARE program is the most well-funded program in the state with the most comprehensive list of available retrofit options. In 2023, the CARE program increased its financial investment in the income qualified community by over 1,000 percent when compared to previous years. Additionally, this program helps customers electrify their homes where possible and when appropriate based on individual circumstances.
“Energy Outreach Colorado, in partnership with Platte River, has made a significant impact on vulnerable communities through the Efficiency Works Homes program,” says Ann Cruz, single family/CARE program manager for Energy Outreach Colorado. “This investment allowed the CARE program to reduce the average participant’s utility bill by 40-50 percent, providing a positive impact in customers’ lives and allowing them to participate in the ongoing energy transition,” Cruz says.
This partnership puts both organizations on track to surpass previous milestones and sets a new standard for community-driven energy efficiency initiatives. The strides made in 2023 represent a collective commitment to forging a brighter future for households of all income levels and communities across the state and serve as a foundation for efforts in 2024 and beyond.
For more information, visit efficiencyworks.org/homes.
