Denver is accelerating towards a future where every neighborhood is powered by clean energy systems and protected from a hotter, drier climate. An important part of this work is to find equitable ways to reduce reliance on natural gas systems in our most vulnerable neighborhoods.
In 2026, the City and County of Denver is partnering with Xcel Energy to demonstrate the feasibility of decommissioning portions of the natural gas system in the future. We are doing this by working with two Denver neighborhoods, Ruby Hill and Valverde, to electrify dozens of homes nearby one another. This work will:
- Improve local air quality
- Make homes more comfortable
- Provide insights to expand this work in the future
Qualifying Denverites who participate will work with Xcel Energy and their contracting partners to install an electric heat pump system. Homes may qualify for additional energy efficiency work as well. All upgrades will be provided at no cost to the homeowner.
This project will demonstrate the feasibility of installing a neighborhood-scale utility thermal energy network (UTEN). Xcel Energy has identified an area of Ruby Hill where they will install ground-source heat pumps in 25 homes and two commercial buildings that will work together to heat and cool the homes. Thermal energy networks are a well-proven technology that they are excited to deploy in Denver.
This project will:
- Show that geothermal heating and cooling systems can work in Xcel Energy territory
- Explore the benefits thermal energy networks can bring to both customers and the utility
- Provide an equitable, affordable and reliable source of clean heating and cooling
All homes that participate will get their geothermal heat pump (and all associated construction costs) at no cost. The homeowner will only be responsible for the routine maintenance (like changing the filter) for their new heat pump.
What is a thermal energy network?
Eversource Energy is working on a similar demonstration project in Massachusetts. They produced a short video explaining how a thermal energy network works:
Why Ruby Hill?
Xcel Energy determined that the housing density and age gave Ruby Hill a high potential for geothermal energy.
Ruby Hill is also part of the Southwest Area Plan vision, which provides a neighborhood context for infrastructure coordination and community engagement.
Additionally, a thermal energy network supports the sustainability goals for both the City and County of Denver and Xcel Energy.
Together, these elements make Ruby Hill a strong place to evaluate a thermal energy network.
Eligibility
Xcel Energy is targeting about 25 homes within a five-square block area in Ruby Hill. Homes within that area (including those facing W. Mexico Ave, S. Zuni St, W. Colorado Ave, and S. Clay St.) are eligible to participate.
Xcel Energy will proceed with the project only if there is sufficient interest from the households within the target area.
Do you think you qualify?
Learn More and Fill Out an Interest Form
This project will seek to do whole-home electrification in up to 100 residential homes in the Valverde neighborhood, including installing:
- Air-source heat pumps
- Heat pump water heaters
- Home weatherization
- Induction ranges
- Electrical and panel upgrades
- Smart thermostats
This project will:
- Improve indoor air quality for homeowners
- Ensure a fair and just transition away from natural gas
- Provide efficient and reliable whole-home heating and cooling to vulnerable households
- Show how scaling up community outreach and installations can allow us to deliver projects more efficiently
Zero Homes is operating the program end-to-end, from project management to expert installation. ARUS Consulting performs the in-home energy assessments that determine which upgrades will benefit your home the most.
Eligibility
This program is available to people who own a single family home in the Valverde neighborhood.
Zero Homes will be announcing additional eligibility requirements in the near future.
Interested in participating?
Learn More and Fill Out an Interest Form