Helping members save
Are you wanting to save on your home energy bills… in the market for new insulation, windows, doors, lighting, water heaters, HVAC systems and other qualifying energy-efficient technologies that increase your home value?
March 4th is the official launch of the new SLVREC ELECTRIFY AND SAVE ON-BILL REPAYMENT PROGRAM. This program will help improve the lives of our members through energy savings and increased home values. I know this statement will be true because I’ve experienced the positive impacts of a similar program first-hand in Alaska.
Most homes in the San Luis Valley can save money today with home efficiency upgrades (see below Table 1). So why aren’t we seeing our neighbors installing upgrades? If presented with an opportunity to save money through home efficiency upgrades, then most people would choose “yes.” However, there have been barriers preventing this opportunity. These barriers include knowing which upgrades to choose, how to install them and how to pay for them. The new Electrify and Save Program removes these barriers.
It starts by completing an online application to verify your eligibility. Next, you’ll be scheduled for a free data-driven home energy assessment. You’ll then receive a report explaining the current condition of your home energy usage along with recommended energy saving improvements. From here you’ll be connected with an authorized contractor to prepare a project proposal, including costs and steps to implement. This proposal will be uploaded into the program portal for review. Once the project scope is approved, then your contractor will schedule work to begin. No upfront payment is required. Once work is completed and after taking advantage of all rebates, then the remaining balance will appear on your monthly REC bill. No additional payment action is required. Learn more or apply at www.SLVREC.com/electrify-and-save
It is surprising that in 2021 only one percent of SLVREC members were considering a heat pump (see table above). I want to make sure you have the most recent information to make the best decisions. Heat pumps are the recommended heat source for Colorado homes according to Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s 2022 study (see link to the full study in this Newsboy article online at slvrec.com). If cold climate heat pumps work in Alaska, then they will work in Colorado.
You may recall from previous Newsboy articles that our SLVREC employees have been piloting this program internally since the fall of 2023. About 20 percent of our employees have signed up. This was to help prepare us to provide you with excellent service.
In February, a contractor training event was held at the SLVREC headquarters in Monte Vista. This event trained contractors on program process and technologies, including heat pumps, to best serve you. We have a limited number of authorized contractors currently. If you or someone you know is interested in being an authorized contractor, then please complete the contractor application on the electrify-and-save webpage. I am excited to hear your success stories.
Upcoming Road Show
I will be presenting a “Road Show” around the Valley to provide members with an overview of our 2024 Road Map and goals. Here is the current schedule:
Upper Rio Grande Economic Development, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7 a.m., Rio Grande County Annex
Saguache County BOCC, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2:45 p.m.
Rio Grande County BOCC, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m.
Costilla County BOCC, Tuesday, March 5, 10 a.m.
Mineral County Commissioners, March 6, 10:30 a.m.
Alamosa County BOCC, Wednesday, April 10, 8:30 a.m.
Conejos County BOCC, Thursday, May 16, 9:30 a.m.
SLVREC is leading the way forward and stands by our commitment to serve you. As the second oldest electric cooperative in Colorado, SLVREC has a long tradition of serving its more than 7,500-member community and improving quality of life in the San Luis Valley. Innovating new energy resources and programs are another way that SLVREC is demonstrating its commitment to our members and the wellbeing of the San Luis Valley.
We’re here whenever you need us. Connect with us online, in person or through our social media channels. However you choose to connect, please let us know how we can serve you better.