Updated county energy code will boost energy efficiency and save money
Energy efficiency scored a win earlier this month when the Garfield County commissioners voted to adopt an updated building energy code. The change is projected to reduce the energy consumption of all new buildings in unincorporated Garfield County by an estimated 20%.
The updates will result in an estimated net annual savings of $66 for a representative home in our climate zone in Colorado. That may not be a huge windfall, but it puts to rest the idea that energy codes impose onerous costs. Meanwhile, building to stricter energy codes offers multiple benefits. Read more...
Xcel offering free energy house calls to Rifle and Parachute customers
Does your home have drafty doors, an old thermostat or inefficient incandescent light bulbs? If you’re an Xcel Energy customer in western Garfield County, you can get an energy-efficiency house call and up to $200 worth of fixes – for free.
Xcel is teaming up with Garfield Clean Energy to conduct a blitz of Home Energy Squad visits in the Rifle-to-Parachute area the week of July 24-28. Read more...
Colorado announces big new incentives for EVs and e-bikes
Colorado is a pretty great state to live in, especially if you’re in the market for an electric vehicle or e-bike! The state tax credit for the purchase or lease of a qualifying electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will increase to $5,000 on July 1, with a further $2,500 bump on certain models to take effect on Jan. 1. Meanwhile, rebates on e-bikes of up to $1,100 will become available in August. Read more...
eBikeThere participants get in the saddle
It was smiles all around at the first introductory training for participants in the eBikeThere Garfield County program last week in Carbondale! Forty income-qualified residents have been awarded e-bikes at a highly subsidized price through the program, which aims to reduce vehicle travel and pollution by making e-bikes more affordable. Participants are expected to use their e-bikes for commuting and to track their miles using an app.
See our Facebook post for photos.
