Energy Efficiency

Since 2007, the Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement (D-ONE) (formerly the Denver Office of Strategic Partnership) has invested $2 million each year to nonprofits to support energy efficiency efforts benefitting low-income Denver residents and the nonprofits who serve them.

Funding supports energy audits, weatherization upgrades and energy education.

This funding comes to D-ONE as part of the City’s Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy. D-ONE has managed the energy efficiency assistance fund since it was approved by voters and City Council in 2006. This agreement is in place through 2026.

Funds are distributed to the community through annual contracts that are competitively awarded through a competitive RFP process decided by the Facilities and Energy Efficiency Advisory board, appointed by the Mayor. 

Resources for Residents

Energy Outreach Colorado

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) leads a network of industry, state and local partners to support, stabilize and sustain Coloradans to afford their energy needs.  

Energy Outreach Colorado offers several programs to assist residents with their energy needs.

Bill Payment Assistance
EOC provides bill payment assistance to households across Colorado who are behind on their energy bills and are at risk of not having home energy. Payments are made directly to a local utility or fuel company. Learn more here or call 1-866-HEAT-HELP.

Heating System Repair/Replacement
If you are without heat, EOC can help you. Through its CIP program, EOC coordinates emergency repair and/or replacement of your heating system. Learn more here or call 1-855-4-MY-HEAT (1-855-469-4328).

Free Energy Efficient Upgrades
Your home's energy efficiency is a crucial component to your overall energy costs. Improving it will lead to a lower bill and less energy consumption. EOC's CARE program can help by providing free energy efficiency upgrades. Learn more here or call (303) 226-5061.

Energy Resource Center

Energy Resource Center (ERC) is a non-profit construction company assisting income-qualified families through energy efficiency improvements. Work completed includes insulation, HVAC, hot water heaters, lighting, appliances, air sealing and more. These efforts save money on energy bills, reduce demand on natural resources by cutting energy waste, assist with the affordable housing crisis, and create a safe environment in which Colorado residents can thrive.

Free Energy Efficient Upgrades
The Energy Resource Center offers free energy efficiency evaluations and upgrades to income-qualified residents of Denver who receive LEAP, SSI, SNAP, TANF, AND, or OAP benefits. Learn more here or call (720) 236-1321.

Groundwork Denver

Groundwork Denver provides energy efficiency services, weatherization upgrades, and resident education for residential units.

Free Energy Audits
Leaky, inefficient buildings are uncomfortable and lose money, but Groundwork’s energy advisers can help. Groundwork’s certified energy advisers (through the Building Performance Institute) provide free home energy audits to Denver residents. Learn more here or email Elysa@groundworkcolorado.org.

Mile High Youth Corps

Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) provides meaningful work through its land and energy & water conservation efforts. 

MHYC offers free energy and water services to Denver residents who qualify/receive SNAP, TANF or LEAP benefits.

Free Energy Assessments and Upgrades
Energy & Water Conservation Corpsmembers perform energy assessments (usually 30-45 minutes) which include free upgrades that reduce energy and water consumption to lower the financial burden of utility bills.  Upgrades and installation include free LED lightbulbs, high-efficiency showerheads and sink aerators, programmable thermostats, CO detectors, and ultra-high efficiency toilets (depending on location). Learn more here or call (303) 433-1206.

 

 


Resources for Organizations

Energy Outreach Colorado

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) leads a network of industry, state and local partners to support, stabilize and sustain Coloradans to afford their energy needs.  

Energy Outreach Colorado offers two programs to assist organizations with their energy needs.

Funding Assistance for Energy Efficient Equipment
If you represent a nonprofit organization that serves low-income individuals and families, EOC can provide funding for the purchase and installation of energy efficient equipment. Learn more here or call (303) 226-5060

Weatherization Assistance for Affordable Housing
Most multi-family residences have a high potential for energy savings through the large capitol energy efficiency improvements EOC offers. Learn more here or call (303) 226-5069.

Mile High Youth Corps

Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) provides meaningful work through its land and energy & water conservation efforts. 

MHYC offers free energy and water services to Denver nonprofits.

Free Energy Assessments and Upgrades
Energy & Water Conservation Corpsmembers perform energy assessments (usually 30-45 minutes) which include free upgrades that reduce energy and water consumption to lower the financial burden of utility bills.  Upgrades and installation include free LED lightbulbs, high-efficiency showerheads and sink aerators, programmable thermostats, CO detectors, and ultra-high efficiency toilets (depending on location). Learn more here or call (303) 433-1206.

Radian

Radian is a non-profit architecture and urban design firm that focuses on how people occupy space by introducing creative solutions to systemic barriers impeding the growth and flourishing of local communities.

The mission of Community Spaces (formerly Denver Shared Spaces) is to mitigate the involuntary displacement of community-serving organizations by promoting and providing affordable commercial space options in the Denver Metro Area. 

Matchmaking Service
Radian's matchmaking service connects community-serving organizations to existing affordable spaces in the Denver Metro Area. Learn more here or email admin@radianinc.org.

 


State Energy & Weatherization Programs

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that can pay part of your heating costs. It is only active from November 1 to April 30 each year and can be used once per heating season. Call 1.866.HEAT.HELP (1.866.432.8435) or apply online through Colorado Peak.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded program that can provide you with energy efficiency services. You can receive assistance with items like insulation, air sealing, storm windows and doors, furnace repair or replacement, and LED light retrofitting. Find your local weatherization agency at the Colorado Energy Office for more information or to get help.