EnergySmart program announces 2026 changes

Electrification and efficiency rebates will support income-qualified households

EnergySmart helps Boulder County housholds navigate the process to electrify their homes, from connecting with contractors to navigating rebate programs.

Key Points

• Starting next year, participants must qualify for home electrification and energy efficiency rebates.
• Households earning at or below 100% of area median income are eligible.
• Rebates will provide 50% of project costs, up to $2,000, per year.
• EnergySmart advisors will still provide free guidance to help all Boulder County homeowners navigate available incentives from utilities, state programs, and new regional initiatives.

Boulder County, CO — EnergySmart, Boulder County’s residential sustainability program, announced important updates to its residential rebate offerings, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The changes will focus program funding on households at or below 100% of area median income to maximize community impact and ensure taxpayer-funded assistance reaches those who need it most.

“Since 2010, EnergySmart has led the way in advancing home energy efficiency, setting a model for similar programs across Colorado and beyond,” said Rachael Bramblett, EnergySmart Program Manager. “We are building off our legacy of innovation and equity by expanding support for moderate-income families.”

Focusing funds where they matter most

Beginning in 2026, EnergySmart will focus exclusively on its Income Qualified rebate program, which was introduced in 2024 to make upgrades such as heat pumps, induction cooktops, and insulation projects accessible to more residents. These rebates offer up to $2,000 per year, covering up to 50% of project costs after other incentives.

This change comes at a time of expanded local, regional, and state incentive programs, including Xcel Energy rebates and Colorado state tax credits. Homeowners now have more opportunities than in the past to fund their efficiency and electrification projects, even without federal tax credits. A new regional building decarbonization program from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), anticipated to launch in early 2026, will further expand available resources.

A continued commitment to service

“Boulder County remains committed to helping make homes more efficient, healthy, and comfortable,” said Bramblett. “Refocusing our rebate funds on income-qualified households allows us to offer more support to those who face the greatest financial barriers, while ensuring all residents continue to benefit from expert advising and the growing number of available programs.”

EnergySmart advisors are available to assist Boulder County residents through every step of their home efficiency and electrification journey — from identifying opportunities and planning projects to navigating all available rebates and incentive programs.

About EnergySmart

EnergySmart, a program from Boulder County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, provides personalized advising and resources to help residents make energy efficiency and electrification improvements. Since 2010, EnergySmart has helped thousands of households reduce energy use, save money on utility bills, and advance community climate goals.

For more information, visit the EnergySmart website or call 303-544-1000.