Greetings,
We're very excited that the U.S. Senate finally found a way to pass major climate legislation! The Inflation Reduction Act will mark the biggest investment ever to tackle the climate crisis. Solar CitiSuns and like-minded folks across the nation deserve credit for keeping this critical need at the top of the national agenda. We have included some details below.
As August heat beats down, we want to take this opportunity to remind you of some low-cost ways you can save energy and stay cooler. While electric vehicles and home electrification are drawing increasing interest, not everyone can afford those options right now. We hope the ideas below can help save you some money in the short term.
We also hope you are making plans to join us at the Metro Denver Green Homes tour on Sat. October 1. This annual showcase of sustainable architecture, building and upgrades will offer lots of inspiration. In addition to some of the most innovative homes around, the event features an electric vehicle round-up, a Tiny Home you can visit and a reception open to all where green vendors will share their expertise.
Sunny regards,
Rebecca Cantwell
for New Energy Colorado
p.s. Please forward this newsletter to friends and colleagues and let us know what else you would like to read about by emailing us here
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Energy Tips: From Cheap to Steep |
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If you want to reduce your home's energy use, experts are available to help. You can hire an energy auditor to do a complete assessment of your home and provide you with a report highlighting the most beneficial steps you can take.
If you are an Xcel Energy customer, you can schedule a visit from their Home Energy Squad which is partially paid for through your energy bills. The $50 visit offers professional installation of energy saving measures that may include:
- LED bulbs
- Programmable thermostat installation and programming
- Weather stripping for an external door
- Energy-efficient showerheads
- Kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators
- Water heater temperature check
Additional items, and more comprehensive visit are also available. Information here
Xcel Energy's program stems from Public Utilities Commission proceedings that Solar CitiSuns have been involved in helping to shape and strengthen. The latest filing will influence programs and rebates for years to come, and we will share more as it develops. You can read testimony filed in the Demand Side Management Strategic Issues docket here. Most other utilities have energy saving programs and rebates as well.
Below are some ideas to get you started on your own home energy journey:
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Give Yourself Shade!
Simply keeping the hot sun out through the use of shades can make a big difference in your comfort. If you open windows at night, close them in the morning and then draw your curtains, the cool air will remain. To increase this effect, consider buying cellular shades that include an air cavity, creating an insulating layer that will also enhance your winter comfort and savings. If you have not yet replaced your incandescent lights, please do- 90% of their energy is waste heat!
Exterior shading – Landscaping through trees is the oldest form of creating shade. If you want to increase your protection from the sun, exterior shading with awnings or solar shades can prevent heat from entering your home.
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Use Transit this month! RTD is offering completely FREE access to its entire system during the month of August. The Zero Fare for Better Air initiative, made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180, in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office, is designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing the use of public transit.
Solar CitiSuns helped advocate for this new law and now we can all benefit!
This is a great time to get used to riding the bus and train and leaving your car at home.
It’s also a good time to try riding your bike to transit.
Learn more and find your ride here
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Wrap Up the Heat!
Give some love to the equipment behind the utility door. If your water heater is set higher than 120 degrees, chances are you are wasting energy. You can save on heating and cooling by purchasing a simple insulating blanket kit and putting it on your water heater.
Changing the filter in your furnace every month is another good way to save energy and improve indoor air quality.
If you have not added insulation to your attic and walls, these are more expensive but very cost-effective improvements.
Don't forget to reduce the leakage of air from your home through air sealing - it's like putting a windbreaker on your home.
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Senate Passes Biggest Climate Legislation in History
Senate Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act on August 6 and the measure includes $369 billion to address the climate crisis through a wide range of incentives. The legislation represents the biggest investment in transitioning to clean energy in history. Colorado's Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper both worked hard to advance the bill. The U.S. House is expected to vote August 12. Please let your Representatives know how important it is to get this across the finish line. Among other things, the legislation would:
- Provide $9 billion in consumer home energy rebate programs and 10 years of consumer tax credits to make homes energy efficient.
- Provide 30% tax credits for solar and storage
- Provide more than $60 billion to bring more clean energy manufacturing to the U.S., including tax credits to accelerate domestic manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries electric vehicles and critical minerals processing
- Provide more than $20 billion to support climate-smart agriculture
- Provide $3 billion for disadvantaged communities to address climate and health issues.
- Provide an income-limited extension of the $7,500 EV tax credit, plus $4,000 for the purchase of used EVs
- Provide $1 billion for projects that improve energy and water efficiency in affordable housing
- Create a $7 billion grant to support rooftop solar in low- income communities
- Create more than 1.4 million clean energy jobs
- Provide a total of $60 billion in funding to advance environmental justice
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Announcing the 2022 Metro Denver Green Homes Tour
and Green Expo!
Sat. October 1 ------- 9 am - 4 pm
Whether youʼre looking for a new home or ways to improve your current castle, grab this once-a-year opportunity to tour a variety of homes benefiting from a range of smart “green” strategies.
See efficient remodeling options and effective solar designs. Explore new homes, updated homes, innovative gardens and a variety of electric cars.
Your $10 admission includes a guidebook with descriptions of the homes, a map of home locations, and free entry into the Tour After-Party and Green Expo!
Register and pick up your guidebook and map the day of the tour, October 1st, at the American Mountaineering Center (AMC), 710 10th Street in Golden. Then choose the homes you want to see, start the tour, and get the inside scoop from neighbors who are already enjoying the benefits of better living! Electric Vehicle Round-up and Growing Dome Greenhouse included.
Even if you can't make the tour, you can come to the Green Expo, visit a Tiny Home and enjoy live music at the AMC from 5-7 pm.
And Save the Date for the Chaffee County Green Home Tour
September 17-18 2022
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Solar CitiSuns are people who want to join together to help transform the energy landscape by advocating for solar energy and other clean energy sources for the future. It is free, quick and easy to sign up! By joining our community, you can keep informed and join others in taking action.
Please follow our Facebook Page, and share this email with your friends and colleagues, and on social media using the links below. We are stronger together!
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Upcoming Events
Metro Denver Green Homes Tour Lecture Series
Wednesday September 14, 7pm, Bill Lucas of Helio Home, " Electrify your Life / Electrify your Home! ".
17695 South Golden Road, Golden. Free and open to the public
Wednesday September 21, 7 pm, Paul Kriescher, Heart of a Building Executive Producer/ Host, "How Durability and Sustainability can save your home: The Story behind one family's home inside the Marshall Fire Burn area ", 17695 South Golden Road, Golden. Free and open to the public
Thursday September 29, 7 pm, Conor Merrigan, Program Manager Sustainability - Spirit Environmental, " Scaling up Green Homes to Green Neighborhoods. Jefferson Unitarian Church 14350 W. 32nd Ave. Golden. Free and open to the public
Upcoming CRES Events
Tuesday, September 27, 7 pm
Fort Collins Climate Action Plan Update: Our Climate Future & Big Steps
Information/registration here
Thursday, August 18, 7 pm Webinar
A New Carbon Capture Strategy for Heavy Industry
Information/registration here
Wed. September 14 7pm BCRES live Event
The Future of Transportation and Energy in Colorado
Information/registration here
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Three Stories We Think You'll Want to Read
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