Energy Efficiency

About two-thirds of our community-wide greenhouse gas emissions are associated with energy consumption in buildings and community infrastructure like streetlighting and water pumping. Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective things you can personally do to reduce our collective climate impact.

Energy Efficiency Tips and Resources

• Follow these energy conservation tips and resources from LPEA's Together We Save website.
• Install LED lights including motion sensors and Dark Sky compliant lights outdoors.
• Install a programmable thermostat and set it to energy saving temperatures.
• Fix cracks and leaks in your home that let air out.
• Explore more tips from this CSU Extension home energy checklist.

Programs for Your Home

• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) provides support paying heating bills and heating system repairs and/or replacement. This is an income-qualified program with enrollment open from November 1 through April 30 each year.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides a free home energy assessment and support for equipment replacement and home improvements to increase energy efficiency, and even rooftop solar. This is an income-qualified program administered by Housing Resources of Western Colorado.
• Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy (CARE) program also provides a free home energy assessment and support for equipment replacement and home improvements to increase energy efficiency. This program is also income-qualified, but is open to a wider range of income levels than WAP. It is administered by the Four Corners Office of Resource Efficiency (4CORE).
• Energy Smart Colorado program provides a home energy assessment and a comprehensive report that outlines clear suggestions for possible upgrades. There is no income limit to participate, but there is a fee for service. Participants are eligible for $150 rebate from LPEA once at least one recommended measure is installed. This program is administered by 4CORE.

Residential and Commercial Utility Rebates

• LPEA member efficiency rebates
• Atmos Energy customer rebates and incentives
• Black Hills Energy customer rebates

Installing Solar

• LPEA member solar website has everything you need to see if solar is a good fit for your home.
• The City of Durango Solar page has information on the City of Durango permitting process and other resources.

Heat Pump Resources

• Heat Pump Benefits for Colorado Homes and for Southwest Homes published by the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP).
• LPEA information on heat pumps for information on the City of Durango permitting process and other resources.

Green Power Purchases

• Green Power Purchase program allows LPEA customers to purchase certified blocks that tie their electricity consumption directly to renewable generation from the utility grid.

Financing for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

• LPEA on-bill financing program offers LPEA members the ability to finance efficiency upgrades on their monthly utility bill instead of having to pay for the project fully up-front.
• State of Colorado RENU loan program provides affordable loan options for home efficiency upgrades that are available to a wide range of homeowners and credit scores.