October 2025

Welcome to the EnergySmart newsletter!

Roughly every quarter, we share news, updates, and special offers from EnergySmart, Boulder County's one-stop shop for residential energy services.

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Changes to EnergySmart rebates coming in 2026

A collage of homeowners standing with electrification technologies like solar, heat pumps, ev charging, and cellular shades

Since 2010, EnergySmart has pioneered home efficiency and electrification rebates, setting the standard for similar programs around Colorado and beyond. We’re honoring the spirit of innovation that guides us by making some important changes to our programs, and we want to share this news with you.

More rebate programs – more options

The market has changed a lot since we first started offering rebates. EnergySmart’s original, standard rebates helped early adopters lead the way in Boulder County. Our Income Qualified (IQ) rebates launched in 2024, and now make upgrades like heat pumps, induction cooktops, and insulation projects more affordable for everyone.

There are more rebates for residents than ever, from local utilities incentives to state tax credits. A new regional program launching next year (more below!) will layer on even more savings. Simply put, many great options exist for most homeowners looking to electrify or make their home more efficient.

At the same time, EnergySmart has seen a record number of rebate requests as more residents complete these projects. This is great news for our county and the planet, but it also means we need to allocate our limited funds where they’ll have the biggest impact.

Starting in 2026, EnergySmart will focus exclusively on our Income Qualified rebates, serving households earning at or below 100% the annual median income (AMI) in Boulder County (see chart below). This change will help us stretch our support, offer larger rebates, and ensure taxpayer-funded assistance reaches the households that need it most – while continuing to compliment the many other incentives now available across our community.

What’s changing in 2026:

EnergySmart’s Standard rebates will no longer be available
EnergySmart’s Income Qualified rebate amounts are adjusting to:
Up to $2,000 per year, not exceeding 50% of the project cost after accounting for other incentives

What’s staying the same:

EnergySmart will continue to provide advising services for all residents regardless of income levels on their home efficiency and electrification projects
EnergySmart will also continue to help all residents find rebates and incentive programs from other sources to help fund those projects

In short, we’ll continue to do what we’ve always done: help you find ways to make your home healthier, safer, and more comfortable.

EnergySmart can connect you with other rebates and programs

While the EnergySmart rebates are changing, we can help you find other incentives, including rebates and bonuses from Xcel Energy, Efficiency Works rebates, and state tax credits. EnergySmart can also connect you with rebates from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)’s new building decarbonization program, which we anticipate opening up in the first half of 2026.

EnergySmart Advisors are here to help all Boulder County residents through every step of the process. Our dedicated advisors can assist with getting started, planning projects, and understanding and accessing all available incentives or offerings.

Thank you for growing with us and participating in our programs. Together, we’re reducing the climate impact of homes across Boulder County.

Think you don't qualify for the Income Qualified rebates?

You may be surprised.

Unsure if you qualify for our Income Qualified rebates? Check out the 2025 income table below. Households at or below the income levels shown based on size are eligible.

Household Size	Household Income
1	$105,500
2	$120,500
3	$135,600
4	$150,600
5	$162,700
6	$174,700
7	$186,800
8	$198,800

Deadline to apply for all 2025 EnergySmart Rebates is Jan. 5, 2026

To receive a 2025 rebate, all projects must be completed and invoiced by Dec. 31, 2025. All rebate applications must be completed by Jan. 5, 2026, and your supporting paperwork submitted to us by Jan. 5 as well. There will be no exceptions to this deadline!

Please check with your advisor to make sure that you have all the paperwork and proof of completion necessary so that you can submit your application on time.

Increased electric vehicle incentives through

Vehicle Exchange Colorado

If you thought you missed out on great electric vehicle (EV) deals, we have good news! Colorado has just increased rebates through the Vehicle Exchange Colorado (VXC) program to help keep electric vehicles affordable, even though federal incentives have expired. Starting Nov. 3, 2025, income-qualified Coloradans can get up to $9,000 off a new EV or $6,000 off a used EV when they trade in an old or high-emitting vehicle.

State tax credits are also still available and vary based on the cost (MSRP) of the vehicle. The VXC rebates can be combined with tax credits from the State of Colorado to help you save even more! Some state tax credits are decreasing in 2026, so act quickly to take advantage of all available incentives.

With EVs now making up more than 30% of new vehicle sales in Colorado, these increased rebates ensure more residents can make the switch to cleaner, cost-saving transportation.

Updates to Xcel Energy rebates

Xcel Energy continues to support customers with rebates that make energy upgrades more affordable. Through 2025, residential and commercial customers can still receive rebates for heating system upgrades. Bonus incentives remain available for customers who heat with gas or propane, but starting Nov. 16, 2025, customers who already heat with electricity (e.g., electric resistance, electric baseboard heat, etc.) will only be eligible for standard heat pump rebates (no bonus incentives).

Looking ahead, Xcel plans to keep offering bonus incentives in 2026 as part of Colorado’s Clean Heat Plan, depending on budgets and forecasts.

Xcel Energy customers are encouraged to visit the Xcel Rebates page and talk with their HVAC installer to stay updated on rebates and bonus incentives availability.

Tiered Rebates from Xcel

Xcel recently rolled out a new, tiered, Income-Qualified Program for efficiency and electrification projects. Depending on your eligibility, 50–100% of your upgrade costs could be covered. Visit the Xcel website to learn more.

Breathe easier with rebates on select ENERGY STAR^® air purifiers

Efficiency Works is helping residents in Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland improve indoor air quality while saving money. Now through Dec. 31, you can receive up to $100 in rebates on qualifying ENERGY STAR^® air purifiers*.

Whether you're a homeowner or renter, this is the perfect time to upgrade your space, and rebates make it easier to invest in cleaner air.

Shop at your preferred retailer, then visit the Efficiency Works website to apply. Rebates are available to residential customers across participating communities and must be submitted within 45 days of purchase or Dec. 31, whichever comes first. Don’t miss this opportunity to breathe easier and save more!

*Qualifying air purifiers are ENERGY STAR^® certified with a smoke clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 100 or higher.