High utility bills: How to save money and cut your home energy and heat costs

• Use this calculator from Rewiring America to see how much money you can pull down from the federal Inflation Reduction Act. You can also check out our guide on the federal tax credits available for you.
• Implement energy conservation solutions with Colorado’s Weatherization Assistance Program. Even if you don’t qualify, it can help you identify ways you can increase the efficiency of your home.
• Connect with a group like Energy Outreach Colorado, which provides education and assistance for homeowners and renters. They can also help with paying a utility bill or if your furnace isn’t working.
• Most utilities have efficiency programs you can take advantage of including Xcel Energy, United Power, Holy Cross Energy, CORE Electric Cooperative and Colorado Springs Utilities.

Heat pumps are a great way to convert your heat in your home from gas to electric, reducing your exposure to volatile gas prices. They can also provide cooling in the summer.

Here are three great resources for you to learn more:

• The what and the why from Environment Colorado including information on federal tax credits.
• An extensive FAQ if you have specific questions.
• A webinar from our friends at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project on heat pumps and electrifying our home.

For many of us, we want to talk to someone who does the work and see what our options are.

• Here’s a resource from Love Electric to find installers in your area.
• Here’s some questions you should consider asking when you are looking into a heat pump.
• Some companies have sites you can check out to find out what electrification would look like for you. Here’s an example from Elephant Energy.

Many of the incentives that exist are thanks to legislative or regulatory action. But more action will be needed to eliminate energy waste and the pollution associated with it.

One decision happening in 2024 is around Clean Heat Plans – a utility plan to reduce reliance on volatile gas to heat our homes and businesses. Here’s more information on what a great heat plan looks like.

You can also sign our petition calling on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to stand up for consumers and ensure utilities are doing more to reduce waste and our reliance on volatile gas.