Colorado Celebrates Weatherization Day, Launches Federally Funded Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program

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STATEWIDE ~ Colorado Launches Home Energy Rebate Program to Save Residents Money on Utilities

In honor of National Weatherization Day, the Polis Administration is celebrating 48 years of helping households save money on energy costs. The state is rolling out the initial phase of rebates for cost-saving home energy upgrades through its Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This program, funded by the Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aims to expand access to energy efficiency improvements and high-efficiency electric appliances, ultimately saving Coloradans money across the state.

Governor Jared Polis stated, "We are focused on saving Coloradans money on energy bills by increasing access to high-efficiency heat pumps and better insulation for homes. Upgrades like these save Coloradans money on utilities, make homes more comfortable year-round, and protect our clean air."

Colorado is leading the way as the first state in the nation to integrate HEAR funding into its weatherization program. This integration will further advance the program's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy bills, and improving home comfort and safety. In the past year alone, Colorado's weatherization program has served nearly 4,000 people and reduced annual emissions equivalent to the energy used by 1,800 homes.

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Executive Director of the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), Will Toor, emphasized the importance of reducing emissions from building heating and energy use in order to achieve ambitious climate goals. He stated that CEO's weatherization program has been helping Coloradans save money on utility costs for over four decades and with this new funding from IRA, they are ready to extend these benefits to even more hardworking families in Colorado.

WAP offers no-cost home energy upgrades to low-income residents and will now be able to provide electric appliances through HEAR funding. This will expand the reach of the program to more households in need. The first phase of HEAR rebates will be available to households with incomes below 60% of the state median income or 80% of their county's area median income.

Colorado has dedicated a total of $7.6 million in HEAR funding to WAP, with an additional $46 million set aside for direct-to-consumer rebates for eligible low- and moderate-income Coloradans who are not receiving WAP services. These rebates will be available starting next year and will continue until 2031, or until all funds are used.

Low-income households interested in receiving weatherization services can learn more and apply on the WAP webpage. Those interested in direct-to-consumer rebates can sign up for email updates on the Home Energy Rebate Programs webpage.

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U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm praised Colorado's HEAR program, stating, "From folks living in the Plains to those in the Rockies, big cost savings are coming for Coloradans looking to adapt their home's energy needs to face the new challenges posed by climate change." She added that this program presents a historic opportunity for residents in the state to save hundreds to thousands of dollars on energy-efficient upgrades and reduce energy bills for seasons to come.

In addition to the HEAR program, CEO plans to launch the Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) program next year. This program will support efficiency improvements in income-qualified multifamily buildings and mobile/manufactured homes.

To support workforce development in Colorado's rapidly growing energy industry, WAP is partnering with local weatherization service providers to offer a paid Energy Efficiency Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program. Through this program, apprentices will receive on-the-job training and experience while learning about weatherization and building science principles. Upon successful completion of the program, they will receive certifications from organizations such as the Building Performance Institute, Environmental Protection Agency, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. More information about this apprenticeship program and other weatherization career opportunities can be found on the WAP Careers webpage.

With the launch of the HEAR program, Colorado is taking a significant step towards reducing energy costs for its residents and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future. This initiative not only benefits households but also supports workforce development and helps achieve ambitious climate goals.

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