Who We Are
NWCCOG’s Energy Program provides quality energy efficiency services in a safe and cost-effective manner to income qualified households across a 13 county territory of Northwest Colorado.
The Energy Program administers 3 programs designed to lower energy costs for income qualifying Coloradoan’s: the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy Program (CARE) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). Households which qualify for a program from an energy-improvement and income standpoint following a home energy audit will be scheduled for installation, the cost of which is entirely covered through the program. The program specializes in retrofitting energy efficient systems into the most challenging existing structures.
Services include an energy-efficiency and safety audit followed by installation of insulation, caulking, weather-stripping, installation of storm windows, and in certain cases new energy-efficient furnaces and refrigerators. The Energy program also leverages these skills for special projects, for instance retrofit of multi-family and affordable housing projects upon request.
Please watch the short video above for a few words from the Energy Program Director
Impact Metrics
Weatherization not only helps households, it also helps revitalize communities by spurring economic growth and reducing environmental impact.
$283
average savings per household
$1.72
of savings
per dollar spent
$2.78
per dollar saved in Non-Energy Benefits*
$14,148
total health and household related benefits per unit
*Non-energy benefits include benefits such as fewer days missed of work or school.
History of the Programs
WAP was established by the federal government in the late 1970’s in response to the 1973 oil embargo, which increased the energy burden on low-income households and underscored the need for energy independence.
The cost of heating inequitably affects those who can least afford it. The average low-income household spends 17% of its income on residential energy as opposed to 4% for the average American family (often living in a newer home with more recent energy efficiencies built-in).
NWCCOG has weatherized over 3000 homes since becoming a local administering agency under the WAP. Weatherization has helped preserve affordable housing units in the region while making homes safer and more energy efficient. Each dollar invested through the program results in $1.72 is saved on utility bills.
The CARE Program was established by Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) and provides upgrades to homes. It is funded by contributions from Electric and gas utilities as well as private donations. NWCCOG has been a CARE program provider since 2016 and has serviced over 250 homes. CARE Program income qualifiers are based on Area Median Income and can provide service to those who may not qualify for Weatherization Assistance.
CIP provides emergency services for approved LEAP clients. If you are without heat, we can help you. Through CIP we coordinate emergency repair and/or replacement of your heating system. While we don’t provide routine maintenance, we will help to get your heat back on when it goes out.