October 2023

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Yuki Chen, owner of Colorado Wok in Lafayette, Colorado, recently worked with PACE's Restaurant Equipment Grant program and transformed her restaurant. Her staff had been dealing with outdated refrigeration units that struggled to maintain consistent temperatures.

PACE helped fund and install more efficient and consistent units, as well as a new prep table that improved storage and efficiency. "The PACE program seemed too good to be true... covering 70% of the costs as well as shipping and delivery is something we’ve never seen before." Yuki shared.

Yuki highly recommends the program, highlighting that it “significantly aids Boulder County businesses by offsetting the expenses of vital equipment.” PACE is now accepting applications for the Refrigeration and Restaurant Equipment Grant; sign up today at this link or reach out at info@pacepartners.com. 

Are you ready for fall clean-up? Try leaf-blowing and lawn-mowing without the smell of gasoline! After a successful pilot program helped electrify 18 businesses, we have re-opened applications to our landscaping equipment electrification fund.

Landscaping businesses can apply TODAY to receive 70% funding for upgrading gas equipment to electric, up to $15,000. Fill out the application here to get started.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through the end of 2023. 

Over 20 businesses across Boulder County are now working with PACE advisors to complete electrification studies. Depending on square footage, businesses can qualify for up to 100% of cost coverage to conduct a study.

Why sign up? Participating businesses work with our PACE advisors, who collaborate with reputable engineering firms that assess your space and make recommendations for energy efficiency, electrification upgrades, financial resources, and more. The resulting report is a great resource that can help you make a plan for upgrading your equipment, avoiding emergencies down the line.

Click here to learn more and apply for the incentive, or please reach out to your PACE advisor at info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223 if you have any questions.

Xcel Energy Customers: You Could Qualify for Savings

Xcel Energy commercial customers are charged one of two rate structures based on a demand threshold: Commercial and Secondary General. The Commercial rate charges for energy use based on the kilowatt-hour used. Secondary General is also based on energy, but the rates can often be lower. However, there are sometimes hefty fees associated with demand when your business is in a Secondary General rate.

Several months ago, the demand threshold increased from 25kW to 50kW. This means that more businesses can qualify for a Commercial rate. But... Xcel Energy will not automatically switch businesses from one rate to another. You have to request it. This switch could help you save a significant amount of money.

If any or all of that was confusing- no worries! The next paragraph is key.

To find out which rate your business currently pays, locate a recent bill and look for the rate highlighted in the picture above. Instead of "Residential" you'll see either "Commercial" or "Secondary General" business rates. If you are currently in a Secondary General rate and have a usage under 50kW, contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-481-4700. A representative at the Xcel Energy Business Solution Center will be able to complete a rate analysis to see if the Commercial rate would be more affordable for your business.

With composting changes and a styrofoam ban coming up in January, PACE is here to help your business make the switch to reusables! Incentives include:

City of Boulder:

A one-time incentive is available for 70% of project costs (up to $2,000) to help businesses switch to reusables, or try a third-party reusables service like r.Cup or DeliverZero. Eligible items include durable dishware, reusable takeout containers, and dishwashers.

City of Lafayette:

A one-time incentive is available for up to $1,000 for reusable solutions.

Please reach out to your PACE advisor for assistance with any incentives or resources at info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223, or visit our waste reduction page here.

For those times where you need single-use materials, EcoCycle recently published a Sustainable Serviceware Guide to help Boulder County food businesses reduce waste and make easier decisions that follow all the new and upcoming rules including compost requirements, Styrofoam bans, and more.

Our first countywide solar co-op launched with a bang, filling up just 9 days after opening. This partnership with Solar United Neighbors (SUN) helps co-op members learn more about solar, work with vendor-neutral experts to find the best fit for their home or small business, and purchase solar at a discounted bulk rate.

Boulder County is considering opening additional spots due to this high demand--don't delay and sign up for the waitlist today. Join us for “Solar 101” information session events on October 25 or November 15, or learn more online and sign up for the waitlist here. 

The Efficiency Works multifamily energy efficiency program* can identify potential energy and water efficiency opportunities and qualifying rebates, so you and your tenants can save money on utility bills. Not only will participating help keep your tenants satisfied, but you’ll also add value to your property!

Efficiency Works energy advisors are available to complete facility assessments, review project bids, plan future projects in common property spaces and install efficiency items in residential units for multifamily properties with five or more units. Program eligibility will determine specific rebates and incentives available for each property.

Complete the program application here to get connected with an energy advisor.

Questions? Contact the Efficiency Works Business team at EWmultifamily@franklinenergy.com.

*The multifamily program is available to commercial electric customers of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications, or Loveland Water and Power.

Meet Mariolym, PACE's Newest Bilingual Sustainability Fellow

Mariolym joined PACE in September as our newest Bilingual Business Sustainability Fellow. She is working with retail and service sector (dry cleaners, nail salons, hair salons, etc.) businesses in the City of Boulder on all things sustainability, and can support businesses like yours with:

• Lighting opportunities and rebates
• Zero waste goals, including the updated compost guidelines and incentives to transition to reusable solutions

Mariolym is providing outreach to City of Boulder businesses now, in both English and Spanish. If you’d like to set up an appointment with Mariolym or just say hello, please contact her directly at 303-441-1262 or masoto@bouldercounty.gov. 

THIS WEEK: 'Good Business Colorado' Conference in Spanish from the Colorado Level Up Academy

Join the Spanish Track of the Good Business Colorado Level Up Academy! The purpose of the Level Up Academy is to provide employers and entrepreneurs across Colorado with access to educational programming and connectivity with peers to support them on their journey to running better businesses. Workshops that will be delivered in Spanish by native Spanish speakers include:

Thursday October 5th - online

10:00 - 11:00 AM - New Laws for Small Businesses 101

11:00 - 12:00 PM - Environmentalism 101 for Business

Friday October 6th - in person at the Lowry Conference Center

10:00 - 11:30 Navigating the Path to Capital: Insights from Access to Capital Experts Panel

1:00 - 2:00 New Laws for Small Businesses 101 

Sliding scale pricing for the conference means no one is turned away for lack of funds, and we welcome people to attend just the sessions relevant to them or stay for the full day on both days. Register for the conference here.

Please help us spread the word to Spanish-speaking employers and entrepreneurs!

Climate Action for Business session THIS MONTH

Does your company have a response for customers who say you need to report on your carbon emissions? A strategy for mitigating risks associated with climate change? Join us to learn the steps to create a company climate action plan. Developed in collaboration with Project Drawdown, this course includes an intro to the GHG Protocol, Science-Based Targets, CDP and TCFD, stakeholder engagement, and more. 

The next session of Climate Action for Business will be held on Zoom on October 24-25, and the price has dropped to $699 thanks to generous support from the B Corp Climate Collective.

Last Call!

• The Colorado Energy Office's Charge Ahead Colorado grant program is accepting applications for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Colorado. The next Charge Ahead Colorado standard application round is now open and will close on October 13 at 5:00 PM MT. Learn more via their Application Guide here.

• Employers and workers are invited to share feedback with the Boulder County Commissioners on the county’s ongoing approach to Boulder County's minimum wage in future years. Please complete and distribute their online survey by Monday, October 16 at 12 noon to share your thoughts! The online survey is available in English and Spanish. Feedback will be shared with other local governments in Boulder County.