Boosting Energy Efficiency: Eagle County and Walking Mountains Science Center Reignite Partnership for Sustainable Programs

Eagle County has renewed its partnership with Walking Mountains Science Center to manage climate action programs aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes.

This agreement, costing nearly $1.25 million a year, supports various programs like Energy Smart Colorado, ReEnergize Eagle County, and the Climate Action Collaborative.

At a recent meeting, John Gitchell, the county’s climate action manager, introduced the ReEnergize initiative. Set up for income-qualified homes, this program, which started in Garfield County, is now available in Eagle County. It includes efficiency audits and home improvements, aiming for 100 applications and 60 successful upgrades this year. These changes could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 360 tons.

The program is free for families earning up to 150% of the area’s median income. For example, a two-person household can earn up to $156,000, while a four-person household can make $195,000 and still qualify.

Gitchell mentioned a key challenge: meeting the high demand for these services.

The Energy Smart program will also continue in 2025. This initiative aims to provide 190 discounted energy assessments, coaching, and 170 rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.

Rebates are capped at $1,000 for single-family homes and $5,000 for multi-family units. With a goal of reducing 500 tons of greenhouse gases, rebates cover items like insulation, heat pumps, and air sealing.

Since its inception in 2010, the Energy Smart program has expanded to 20 counties, funding over 5,000 projects and saving more than $6 million each year on utility costs. Gitchell refers to it as “a climate action machine.”

While the program costs about $1,500 per ton of greenhouse gas reduced, Commissioner Matt Scherr pointed out that the benefits extend beyond mere emissions reduction. Health improvements for residents are a significant bonus.

Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney shared her experience, noting that an energy assessment led her to install solar panels at her home. These panels now help power her electric car.

For more information about the county’s energy efficiency programs, visit the Walking Mountains energy efficiency page.