The Community Efficiency Grant (CEG), initially introduced by Efficiency Works Business in 2021 for business organizations that serve the income qualified community who were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and in need of financial relief, now serves a variety of community organizations who provide critical community services across Platte River Power Authority’s (Platte River) service region. It functions to support efforts in increasing energy efficiency and reducing utility expenses while offering retrofit rebate incentives.
The program serves a diverse coalition of community support organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society of Longmont, Estes Park Housing Authority, YMCAs and multiple Goodwill locations.
The CEG helps reduce the financial burden on nonprofits that want to make their facilities more energy efficient, allowing them to focus resources on serving their community and alleviating the pressure of making capital intensive building upgrades on their own. These upgrades can include new LED lighting, appliance rebates, insulation projects, and more, which can help reduce their overall operational costs and allows more of their funding to directly benefit community members.
A significant benefit of the CEG lies in its simplicity. A one-page digital application is all that is required of qualifying organizations to apply for funding in addition to the state rebate application. Local contractors act as program ambassadors, identifying eligible entities and opportunities for energy-saving upgrades. This program is Efficiency Works’ business programming equivalent to the Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy program on the residential side.
The CEG represents a paradigm shift in Efficiency Works’ initiatives. By expanding beyond income-qualified services to critical community providers, this change enhances our communities’ ability to meet the needs of growing populations.
In 2024 alone, over $1 million in total funding was awarded to CEG grant recipients, representing a tenfold increase in non-profits and multifamily customers served. This promotes safer, more efficient spaces across the owner communities and reduces energy costs for organizations that need every dollar. Participants saved nearly 2,500 MWh per year, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 300 homes in the Platte River service territory. The projects completed in 2024 were a tenfold increase in participation from these customer segments compared to pre-CEG participation levels.
To apply for the Community Efficiency Grant, click here.
Service providers
The Community Efficiency Grant (CEG) relies on service providers to assist customers and complete qualifying efficiency projects. Learn more about the CEG and become a listed service provider at efficiencyworks.org/service-providers/.
Commercial customers
Qualifying commercial customers looking for additional financial support to complete efficiency upgrades may benefit from applying for the Community Efficiency Grant (CEG). Evaluate if your building is eligible for the CEG and connect with listed service providers at https://efficiencyworks.org/business/rebates/ to start your efficiency journey.
