Garfield Clean Energy News December 2025

December 2025

MEMBERS: GARFIELD COUNTY | TOWN OF PARACHUTE | TOWN OF RIFLE | TOWN OF SILT | TOWN OF NEW CASTLE | CITY OF GLENWOOD SPRINGS | TOWN OF CARBONDALE | COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE | ROARING FORK TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY | HOLY CROSS ENERGY | GARFIELD COUNTY LIBRARIES

PROGRAMS & SERVICES: CLEER (CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY FOR THE REGION)

Roaring Fork School District's energy management program saves more than $300,000

Carbondale Middle School

The Roaring Fork School District’s renewed focus on energy efficiency is already paying off. In the first year since restarting its building energy savings program, the district has saved more than $300,000 on utility bills.

“For every $100,000 saved, that's a full-time teacher equivalent or other full-time staff member that you can maintain,” said Ben Bohmfalk, chief operating officer for the District. “So it is having a real impact.”

Holiday breaks when no one is in the buildings are key times to generate major savings. The team expects, during the upcoming holiday breaks, between employing those personal practices and the HVAC system adjustments, some buildings could see as much as a 40% reduction in energy use.

Closing the gap on home EV charging

A man plugs in an EV at home

Electric vehicles are hitting Garfield County roads in record numbers—but for many residents, especially those in apartments or condos, charging at home remains a challenge.

In this month’s Post Independent column, we explore how Garfield Clean Energy is helping multi-family complex renters, homeowners, and property managers overcome barriers to EV charging through a free multifamily housing EV coaching program.

New rebate program provides qualifying Coloradans with up to $14k for home energy upgrades

Aerial view of Garfield County

The new Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program helps Coloradans make their homes more efficient, comfortable, and affordable. Eligible households that work with a registered contractor can receive rebates for high-efficiency electric appliances, heat pumps, insulation, air sealing, electric panels, and other energy-saving upgrades—up to $14,000 per home.


The program is available to low- and moderate-income households in single-family homes, apartments, condos, and manufactured/mobile homes. Rebates are applied through registered contractors, making it simple for homeowners and multifamily building owners to access savings.

See how gas and electric vehicles really compare

A woman with an EV

This Department of Energy tool uses simple information about your driving habits to estimate the total cost of ownership and emissions for most vehicle makes and models, including those with alternative fuels and advanced technologies. Start calculating now.

Receive $450 off an e-bike before the discount drops

A woman with an e-bike

Colorado residents can still take advantage of the state e-bike tax credit to receive $450 off a qualified e-bike at participating retailers. Act now: after December 31, 2025, the discount drops to $225. See a list of participating retailers. 

In the news: GCE energy coaching services

Last week, Aspen Public Radio highlighted how GCE’s energy assessment helped Mountain Valley Developmental Services pinpoint drafty single-pane windows at its Oakhurst group home. That assessment paved the way for a $25,000 Black Hills Energy grant, which will fund new windows and improve comfort and efficiency for residents next year.

Learn how your organization can work with GCE energy coaches. 

Charge Ahead Colorado funding opportunities

The Charge Ahead Colorado grant program is opening a Standard Application cycle in January, offering state funding for community-based Level 2 and DC fast-charging stations.

Eligible applicants include businesses and industry, government and public institutions, multifamily housing, non-profit organizations, and workplaces.

If you’re thinking about applying, email Dova Castañeda Zilly, and our team will walk you through it.

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Carbondale, CO 81623