In 2010, Eagle, Gunnison and Pitkin counties were awarded a $4.9 million dollar grant from the Department of Energy to create an Energy Smart Program which identifies and addresses barriers to making energy efficiency improvements, which include access to information, financing, and a skilled workforce.

The Energy Smart Program includes a marketing outreach campaign, public energy resource centers in each of the three counties which provide ‘one-stop shop’ assistance to homeowners and contractors. The Energy Smart Program increases access to skilled workers by providing training programs, developing best-practices workshops, equipping contractors with appropriate diagnostic tools, and supporting relevant policy initiatives.

The Energy Smart Program is targeting the development and implementation of energy efficiency projects in its residential housing sector. An essential part of the Energy Smart Program is to enable its property owners to access financing solutions that overcome the first-cost barrier and pay for energy efficiency improvements over time.  The Energy Smart Program intends to reach 4100 residential properties directly (across the three counties) and will likely result in a substantial amount of additional retrofits.

For more information, sign up for an Energy Smart Assessment and to take advantage of the numerous benefits through your local Energy Smart Resource Center, go to www.energysmartcolorado.com.