Changes in state renewable energy rebates

The Colorado Governor's Energy Office, which was created in 1977 with the purpose of promoting energy conservation measures in the state, has recently announced changes to its renewable energy rebate program.  The rebate program, which was funded by money allocated by the federal American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, has helped thousands of individuals across the state receive assistance with energy conservation and renewable energy upgrades to their homes and businesses.  The rebates were available for Colorado residents for everything from weatherization to Energy Star appliances to solar systems.  

The Energy Star appliance program, which has been closed to new applications, may reopen on May 23rd, 2011, while other programs are quickly ramping down if not already closed.  

The GEO's Renewable Energy Rebate program was designed mainly for customers who do not already receive a substantial rebate from their utility provider.  For example, here in the Grand Valley, Xcel customers qualify for a solid rebate for installing a solar electric system but customers of Grand Valley Power (GVP) receive nothing from the utility company.  Grand Valley Power customers now qualify for up to $4,500 of rebate from the GEO program for installing a solar electric system.  Customers can currently submit an application that locks in the rebate for 6 months, during which time they must install the system.  When the system is completed, functioning, and inspected, the customer then receives a rebate check from the state GEO program.

In its announcement last Friday, the Colorado GEO team will change its process, effective June 1st, 2011.  After June 1st, applications will be locked in for a total of 3 months and all projects must be complete by December 1st, 2011.  Finally, the GEO team has announced that no new applications will be accepted after September 1st, 2011, effectively calling a halt to its Renewable Energy Program by the end of this year.  

A successful program, the GEO group has issued 749 renewable energy rebates, while over $3.9 million dollars have been allocated for these projects to date.  Residents interested in taking advantage of what funding is left this summer should contact High Noon Solar right away to get their application submitted.

More information about the Colorado Governor's Energy Office can be found by visiting this link.