April/May 2009
Energy Incentives
C O N T E N T S
Executive Director's Corner: Standing with Giants, by Deb Kleinman
Special: Remembering Greg Franta, by Annette Stelmack
LEED: Aardex Receives Second Platinum LEED Certification from the USGBC, by Mike Hehir
Energy Incentives: Xcel Announces New Incentives, by Erine Mathe
Sustainable Development: Grassroots Efforts Support a Sustainable Ethic, by Sarah Martinez
Government: Greening the Government: State Leads by Example, by Angie Fyfe
Case Study: Extracting Value From NAIOP's Highly Criticized Building Cost Report, by Courtney France
Go Green, Save Money: Rep. Perlmutter Legislation Promotes Going Green To Save Green, by Christopher Votoupal
Colorado Building Green is the official newsletter of the U.S. Green Building Council – Colorado Chapter, and is published bi-monthly. If you are interested in submiting a story, ideas or other information for publication, please contact the editor at sarah@usgbccolorado.org
Xcel Energy Helps The Environment While Helping Consumers Save Money
Xcel Energy Announces New Programs in Colorado Targeted to Residential Energy Efficiency
By Erin Mathe, Xcel Energy Media Relations , Xcel Energy
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Xcel Energy announced today the first of several new residential energy efficiency programs in Colorado. Over the next two years, these programs will help the company reduce electricity demand on its system by nearly 125 megawatts and reduce natural gas use by more than 7.2 million therms.
The residential programs launched this month, under the company’s Demand-Side Management (DSM) efforts, include offerings for energy efficient heating systems, water heaters, and home insulation. The company is continuing programs on rebates for qualifying evaporative cooling systems and Saver’s Switch.
“Xcel Energy has launched one of the most aggressive energy efficiency programs in the nation, and we will continue to bring innovative offerings to our Colorado customers,” said Fred Stoffel, Xcel Energy vice president of marketing. “Investment in energy efficiency is the most beneficial and economic way to in effect add new generation to our system, and to better use our precious natural gas resources.” 
Xcel Energy will spend $63 million in 2009 and $80 million in 2010 as it seeks to reduce customer demand for electricity and natural gas in Colorado. The programs are expected to save consumers approximately $450 million in 2009-2010. Xcel Energy will file an updated Colorado DSM plan in 2010.
Additional residential programs to be launched later this spring include home energy audits; multiple energy efficiency upgrades, including replacement of appliances, heating/cooling equipment and insulation for new and existing homes; a program for energy efficient showerheads; and several educational programs.
The company also has launched or has continued a dozen energy efficiency offerings for business customers in Colorado, and will later this year launch multiple, additional programs for business customers.
Included in the offerings this month for residential customers:
- Heating Rebates: Effective Jan. 1, consumers installing high-efficiency natural gas furnaces or boilers can receive rebates ranging from $80 to $120 depending on the rating of the appliance. Applications are due by July 31, 2009. Certain restrictions may apply. Customers are encouraged to speak with their equipment contractors to verify if they will qualify for the program or call Xcel with questions.
- Water Heater Rebate: Customers can receive rebates on the installation of three tiers of standard natural gas water heaters ranging from $40 to $80, depending on efficiency ratings. Rebates of $100 also are being offered on tankless water heaters.
- Insulation Rebates: Natural gas customers in Colorado who install additional attic or wall insulation, or apply air sealing or weather stripping to their homes can receive rebates of up to 20 percent of the cost of the upgrade, with a maximum rebate of $300.