REBATE GUIDE FOR COLORADO RESIDENTS

Using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) is offering rebates to Coloradans that take specific energy efficiency and/or renewable energy measures.

The program is designed to stimulate the economy and save energy by encouraging Coloradans to replace old appliances with new ENERGY STAR® models, incorporate energy efficient measures, or install renewable energy systems in their homes.

Please note:

• A contractor is required to complete the application for all renewable energy rebates.
• The rebates will not be retroactive.This means that measures purchased or installed before April 19th, 2010 will be ineligible for rebates.
• A reservation will be required for all the GEO rebates. All reservations provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The GEO is offering the following rebates on a first come, first serve basis until funds are exhausted:

Rebates are available while supplies last. Terms and conditions apply.

Approved applicants will receive a rebate check via mail. While this program offers a limited number of rebates, GEO hopes residents will be motivated to seek out additional energy saving rebates as offered by utilities, local governments, retailers and manufacturers.

To find what rebates are available to you, through the GEO program as well other programs throughout the state, use the Recharge Colorado Energy Action Planner

To learn more about the GEO’s rebate program, please consult the FAQ below.

GEO Rebate Program FAQ

1. Who funds the rebate program?
2. When does the program start and end?
3. Who is eligible?
4. Can I receive a rebate for more than one measure?
5. How do I apply for the rebate?
6. Can I apply for a GEO rebate and a manufacturer’s, retailer’s or utility’s rebate on the same measure?
7. What additional incentives, besides the GEO rebates, are available?
8. Do all ENERGY STAR appliances qualify for a GEO rebate?
9. Is appliance recycling required in order to qualify?
10. What products, equipment and services qualify?
11. Does do-it-yourself work qualify?
12. Do I have to use a pre-qualified contractor?
13. Can I apply for all the incentives myself, or does my contractor have to do it?
14. Terms and Conditions

1. Who funds the rebate program?
Funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy rebates was made available through funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and through a partnership with the organizations below.  The Governor’s Energy Office thanks its partners for supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy in Colorado!

2. When does the program start and end?
This program began on April 19, 2010 and ends when the funds run out. We expect the program to generate much interest; therefore, we encourage participants to act quickly.

3. Who is eligible?
Any Colorado resident who meets the specific program’s requirements, submits the appropriate paperwork, and completes a qualifying purchase and/or installation. All checks will be mailed to the residential address, with no exceptions. P.O. boxes are not accepted without a valid street address.

4. Can I receive a rebate for more than one measure?
Colorado residents may apply for one rebate per category per address. For example, one refrigerator rebate plus one dishwasher rebate plus one solar thermal system is acceptable. Applications for two refrigerator rebates is not acceptable.

5. How do I apply for the rebate?
All renewable energy rebates require that a contractor complete the application. Residents can complete all energy efficiency applications themselves. In general the process works as follows:

• Find rebates available to you through the Recharge Colorado Energy Action Planner.  You can also find contractors in your area through this tool.
• Select the application for the appropriate measure. *Please note that your contractor will be required to handle the application process for all renewable energy measures. If you are a contractor, click here for more information.
• Complete the online application, and gather all required mail-in paperwork for the application process. If you don’t have access to the internet you can call the Recharge Colorado call center at for assistance. *Renewable energy contractors should not call the call center to complete an application. The hotline is for consumers only.
• Receive reservation confirmation and save for your records. Your confirmation will include all paperwork deadlines, a summary of your application and your confirmation number for future reference.
• Install or purchase the measure.
• Mail the required support materials according to the timeline included on your reservation confirmation.
• Receive your check in the mail from the GEO within 4-6 weeks once all of your final paperwork is received and verified.
 

6. Can I apply for a GEO rebate and a manufacturer’s, retailer’s or utility’s rebate on the same measure?
Yes, we encourage and assume that you will do so. Keep in mind that each rebate sponsor has unique rules and application instructions. Find out what is available to you by using the Recharge Colorado Energy Action Planner.

7. What additional incentives, besides the GEO rebates, are available?
Depending on where you live in the state, there may be additional incentives available to you through your utility provider and/or city or county. Click here to learn about local incentives available.  For certain GEO rebates, the amount you receive will be based upon the local incentive programs available to you. It is your responsibility to apply for these additional incentives, and the Energy Action Planner is there to help you.

8. Do all ENERGY STAR appliances qualify for a GEO rebate?
  The ENERGY STAR® is a minimum requirement. Each appliance category has its own criteria that may be higher than the ENERGY STAR® criteria. Model details are available once you begin the reservation process.

9. Is appliance recycling required in order to qualify?
Because this is an appliance replacement program, participants must agree to replace and recycle existing appliances with a new qualified model.

In the case of refrigerators, you can obtain a higher rebate of $100 if you purchase from a GEO-approved partner retailer as noted on the list provided through the Recharge Colorado Energy Action Planner. These partners have agreed to recycle the customer’s old refrigerator as part of the program. You can also obtain a higher rebate by providing a proper receipt from a refrigerator recycling facility.

10. What products, equipment and services qualify?
Each rebate category has specific requirements for equipment, products and services.  Details about these requirements are available to you, along with terms and conditions and application information, through the Energy Action Planner.  Your contractor or retailer will be able to help you with this as well.

11. Does do-it-yourself work qualify?
Clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators can be self-installed.  For all other measures, the work must be done by a contractor. Information about contractors in your area can be found through the Energy Action Planner.  You can also find information about what to ask contractors when considering them for work, and what certifications to consider in the How to Hire a Contractor and Certifications sections.

In addition, due to the technical nature of the work and information required all renewable energy applications must be completed by a contractor. See the Contractors section for details.

12. Do I have to use a pre-qualified contractor?
In most cases, the GEO is not requiring that work be done by pre-qualified contractors. The only requirement is that they be listed in the vendor database on this website. You can access this vendor database using the Energy Action Planner.  You can also find information about what to ask contractors when considering them for work, and what certifications to consider in the How to Hire a Contractor and Certifications sections.

In the case of energy audits, the GEO will require that contractors be a BPI or RESNET certified building analyst. Information about these contractors is also provided through the Energy Action Planner so that you don’t have to seek them out on your own. 

13. Can I apply for the incentives myself or does my contractor have to do it?
You can apply for all of the energy efficiency measures yourself, but due to the technical nature of the work and information required, applications for renewable energy systems must be completed by a contractor. See the Contractors section for details.

14 . Terms & Conditions
All rebates are subject to terms and conditions. This information will be available through the reservation process.