ReEnergize Garfield County distributing $150,000 in financial aid
Garfield Clean Energy is making waves with a new program to help low- and moderate-income households lower their utility bills and make their homes healthier and more comfortable.
ReEnergize Garfield County launched in February with $150,000 from the county to give out in rebates in 2022. The funding will enable ReEnergize to extend benefits to higher-earners who haven’t previously qualified, as well as to fill gaps in existing programs for low-income households.
The program is clearly meeting a need, because more than 50 households have already enrolled. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested residents should apply as soon as possible. Read more...
Rifle project demonstrates affordable housing’s “double bottom line”
When Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork broke ground for its latest affordable housing project in south Rifle earlier this month, the mood was one of communal joy and relief. Speakers of all political stripes praised Habitat for its work in developing Wapiti Commons, which will provide 20 deed-restricted townhomes and condos for working families and seniors.
The enthusiasm was doubly justified, because this housing will be affordable in more ways than one. Not only will the units cost much less to buy than comparable free-market housing – they’ll also cost less to live in, thanks to energy efficiency and renewable energy built into their design. Read more...
Xcel commercial customers are saving big with this one weird trick
No, this is not a clickbait story! Some Xcel commercial customers really are saving serious coin on their electricity bills after acting on advice in our previous article about a recent rate change. For example, the Carbondale Clay Center has made the switch and expects to cut its electricity bill by 44%, saving about $250 a month. Read more...
Welcome to GCE, Holy Cross Energy
Please give a warm welcome to the newest member of the Garfield Clean Energy family: Holy Cross Energy.
Holy Cross has joined as an affiliate member, meaning it will be able to access free consulting and other services that full members do but it won’t have voting privileges. GCE affiliate members can be government entities, nonprofits, businesses or utilities that have adopted clean energy or carbon reduction targets and goals.
GCE’s mission is “to provide energy efficiency solutions, education and alternative and renewable energy opportunities to all individuals and organizations, in order to build a stronger, more resilient economy benefiting citizens of Garfield County.” Other members include Garfield County, all six of the county’s municipalities, Colorado Mountain College and the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority.
