HRCP Energy Efficiency 2025 Report

Hand holding lightbulb and text that says Energy Efficiency Program

Executive Summary

Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships (HRCP) advances energy equity, climate resilience, and cost savings through energy efficiency and renewable programs funded by its franchise agreement with Xcel Energy, which provides approximately $2 million annually for low-income assistance.

In 2025, HRCP-funded programs delivered measurable impact, including:

  • 167 energy assessments or audits
  • 54 building upgrades across nonprofit and multifamily properties
  • 101 low-income households served
  • 19 no-cost solar installations
  • $2.92 million leveraged in additional funding
  • Over $348,000 in estimated annual energy cost savings.

These investments reduced energy burdens, improved building conditions, and expanded access to efficient and renewable energy solutions for Denver residents and community organizations

Program Overview

The HRCP Energy Efficiency Program portfolio focuses on reducing energy costs and improving housing and building conditions for low-income residents and community-serving organizations.

Programs target three primary sectors:

1. Multifamily Affordable Housing
  • Building upgrades and electrification
  • Energy assessments and technical assistance
2. Nonprofit Facilities
  • Efficiency upgrades to reduce operational costs
  • Energy assessments and project development
3. Residential Energy Burden Reduction
  • Energy audits, weatherization, and electrification
  • Solar installation and energy education.

Together, these programs support Denver’s priorities related to:

  • Climate action and greenhouse gas reduction
  • Energy efficiency and electrification
  • Economic equity for under-resourced communities
  • MWBE participation in city contracting
  • Energy resilience for Equity Priority Buildings.

Program Results

Program Results Summary

Program Key Outcomes 
Energy Outreach Colorado Multi-Family Efficiency Program

25 property assessments, upgrades in 28 properties serving 2,058 units.

Energy Outreach Colorado Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program 14 energy assessments, upgrades in 26 nonprofit facilities.
Groundwork Denver Residential Program 101 residential audits and energy efficiency upgrades
GRID Alternatives Solar Program 27 solar audits and 19 residential solar installation

Energy and Financial Impact

Across the portfolio, programs delivered significant energy savings and financial benefits.

Estimated Annual Savings Energy Savings:

  • 2,299,615 kWhk saved or generated
  • 76,077 therms saved

Estimated Annual Cost Savings:

  • Multifamily Program: $178,970
  • Nonprofit Program: $107,960
  • Residential Efficiency Program: $41,945
  • Solar Installations: $19,540

Total Estimated Annual Savings ≈ $348,415

These savings help stabilize housing costs, strengthen nonprofit operations, and reduce energy burden for Denver residents.

Program Highlights

Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program

Energy Outreach Colorado’s Multifamily Program supports affordable housing providers serving households at or below 80% of Area Median Income.

2025 accomplishments included:

  • 25 property energy assessments covering 1,345 units
  • Energy upgrades in 28 multifamily properties
  • 2,058 residential units served • 416 units receiving energy education
  • $1.5 million leveraged from additional funding sources

Typical improvements included:

  • LED lighting upgrades
  • Heat pump installations
  • HVAC system upgrades
  • Boiler replacements and tune-ups
  • Insulation and envelope improvements.

These projects generated approximately $178,970 in annual utility savings and improved tenant comfort and building resilience.

Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP) The NEEP program helps nonprofit facilities reduce operating costs and modernize aging buildings.

2025 program outcomes included:

  • 14 energy assessments
  • 26 nonprofit facilities upgraded
  • 23 nonprofit organizations receiving technical assistance
  • $1.22 million leveraged in additional funding

Installed measures included:

  • LED lighting upgrades
  • HVAC replacements and heat pumps
  • Door and window sealing
  • Attic insulation
  • Steam trap and radiator valve improvements.

These projects produced $107,960 in annual savings, enabling nonprofits to reinvest resources into community services such as food assistance, education programs, housing services, and workforce development.


Groundwork Denver Residential Efficiency Program

Groundwork Denver provided targeted outreach and energy audits for income-qualified households.

2025 Results included:

  • 101 residential energy audits
  • 101 households served
  • $171,013 leveraged in additional funding
  • $41,945 in estimated annual energy savings

Program interventions included:

  • Insulation and weatherization upgrades
  • Furnace replacements
  • Water heater replacements
  • Refrigerator replacements
  • Electrification upgrades including heat pumps.

Education was a key component of the program, with each participating household receiving personalized guidance on reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.


GRID Alternatives Solar Access Program

GRID Alternatives expanded access to renewable energy for underserved Denver households.

Program accomplishments included:

  • 27 residential solar audits
  • 19 no-cost solar installations
  • 188,601 kWh of renewable electricity generation annually
  • $19,540 annual electricity bill savings

GRID also delivered:

  • 9 community workshops
  • 120 residents engaged in outreach events
  • Multilingual program materials and language-access services.

These installations help households reduce energy burdens while increasing energy resilience and supporting Denver’s climate goals.