Energy efficiency is the “low hanging fruit” in our efforts to avoid wasting money on energy.  Some of the efficiency projects that will be supported by the Clean Energy Progress Fund:

Home energy audits.  Homeowners can save tons of energy without making any lifestyle changes.  Energy efficiency is sometimes thought of as “freezing in the dark”, but in fact an energy efficient home is both more comfortable and more economical.  The first step is an energy audit.  The Fund will provide rebates for a household to have a professional energy auditor give a checkup.  The auditor will provide a detailed assessment of what improvements can be made and how fast the payback will be.  The Fund will assist homeowners in finding contractors and financing large projects.  Many studies show that 20% energy savings are typical.

Commercial energy audits.  Many studies have shown that energy audits of commercial businesses have the greatest paybacks.  Thirty percent savings are typical.  As with home audits, the Fund will provide rebates for businesses and help them make the changes.

Industrial energy efficiency.  Most large industries in Colorado have long recognized the importance of energy efficiency.  Thus, the percentage improvements in this sector will be less than the home and commercial sectors.  Nonetheless, industries use a lot of energy in Colorado so small percentage savings will add up to big cost savings.

Transportation.  The Fund will promote more efficient use of transportation fuel by providing incentives for purchase of high-mileage vehicles and promoting more electrification of transportation.