The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) announced today that it selected the clean energy nonprofit VEIC to lead a new energy efficiency incentive and advising program, which aims to help local residents and businesses lower their energy costs. The $60 million program will offer rebates and incentives on residential and commercial energy efficiency upgrades throughout the Denver area, which includes 56% of Colorado’s population.
VEIC was also selected to implement a $6 million Innovation Pilot Program that will fund grants that test new technologies and approaches to building decarbonization. These efforts are part of Power Ahead Colorado, a nearly $200 million competitive grant that DRCOG received to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and expand economic opportunity — especially in communities that have historically been left behind.
“This is a huge opportunity to make energy more affordable for everyone in the Denver region,” said VEIC’s CEO Rebecca Foster. “We’re proud to help lead a program that puts cost savings, equity, and economic growth at the center of Colorado’s clean energy future.”
The 59 member governments that make up DRCOG are home to 3.3 million people, including half of Colorado’s low-income and disadvantaged communities.
What Coloradans can expect:
- Incentives and rebates to lower the cost of energy efficiency services and electric appliance upgrades like heat pumps, weatherization, and electric panels
- Free virtual and on-site energy advising for homeowners and contractors
- Innovation grants for projects that aim to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies in Colorado
Together, these programs plan to:
- Deliver over 40,000 energy-saving rebates to residents
- Provide energy advising to more than 50,000 clients
- Award up to 30 innovation grants to accelerate electrification and energy efficiency adoption
VEIC has partnered with Brendle Group and Group14 Engineering, leveraging both organizations’ local expertise to help coordinate the project and support the initiative’s community-centered approach.
To learn more about Power Ahead Colorado rebates and sign up for updates, please visit www.veic.org/DRCOG
About DRCOG
The Denver Regional Council of Governments is a planning organization where local governments collaborate to establish guidelines, set policy and allocate funding in the areas of transportation, personal mobility, growth and development, and aging and disability resources. Learn more at www.drcog.org
About VEIC
VEIC is a national clean energy nonprofit that delivers high-impact energy solutions focused on equity and innovation. Since 1986, VEIC has been recognized as a leader in decarbonization strategies, working with governments, utilities, foundations, and businesses to reduce GHG emissions and create a sustainable energy system that benefits everyone. Learn more about our work at www.veic.org