CESN Resources

What is the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator?

• The Colorado Energy Savings Navigator (CESN) is an online screener that provides people of Colorado with information and education about energy bill assistance, weatherization, and electrification incentives they are likely eligible for.
• This tool is applicable to all Colorado residents regardless of utility provider, income level, or location in the state.
• It is a tool for residential customers, but not a tool for small businesses or commercial/industrial businesses.

What is the purpose of CESN?

• The tool was created to help Coloradans save money on their energy bills and increase home electrification and energy efficiency.
• Governor Polis asked state agencies and partners to work together to address rising energy costs in the wake of natural gas spikes in the winter of 2022-2023. During this effort, it was concluded that a lack of unified messaging around energy assistance leads to confusion around who qualifies and what is available. A consolidated navigational resource for assistance and rebates would help to address these issues.
• The tool was built in partnership between the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the Colorado Energy Office, the Colorado Digital Service, the Governor’s Office, and MyFriendBen.

How do Colorado residents use the tool?

• To access the tool, users should visit https://puc.colorado.gov/energy-savings.
• Completing the screener takes less than 10 minutes.
• No personal information entered by users, including homeowner or renter status, zip code, household income, and utility provide are collected or saved in the tool or in any other database.
• The tool is translated into multiple languages to allow for greater accessibility.
• The tool requires that users enter an income for certain credits and energy assistance programs to display in results, including federal credits.
• Selecting “learn how to apply” or “apply now” takes the user out of the tool and to the associated website or online resource to learn more about claiming the credit or applying for programs.

How do residents know what incentives and programs are right for them?

• If residents are not sure what programs they want to apply for, they can email the results to themselves for future reference while they research programs.
• A trusted contractor can evaluate someone’s home to determine the best equipment and rebates to meet their needs.

How do homeowners navigate the heat pump rebate experience?

Once homeowners are aware of the heat pump rebates they may be eligible for, a qualified contractor can be an effective resource to guide them through the process of finding the right equipment for their home and maximizing rebate possibilities. To help people find contractors:

• The tool directs Xcel Energy electricity customers to consult with an Xcel Energy Registered Contractor to help them in the heat pump rebate process.
• The tool encourages Estes Park Power, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power, and Loveland Power customers to consult with an Efficiency Works service provider to help them with the heat pump rebate process.
• The tool encourages people outside Xcel Energy and Efficiency Works territories to check with their electric utility for a preferred HVAC contractor list, or to use Rewiring America’s contractor network.

Can I still access rebates or weatherization if I rent my home?

The tool shows weatherization programs, electrification incentives, and energy efficiency incentives that renters may qualify for. However, inspections or work done on a rented home may require a landlord’s consent.

What data is used for the tool and how is the data kept up to date?

• Program info is maintained in 2 datasets:
  • State built and maintained list of ~18 public assistance programs
  • Rewiring America’s Incentives database of ~670 rebates and credits in Colorado
• The State and Rewiring America keep up to date on programs that are ending or closing. 

What about tax credits that are expiring?

• Certain federal tax credits and rebates are expiring in 2025.
• To find out about the tax credits that are expiring at the end of 2025, you can visit Rewiring America for a comprehensive list. https://homes.rewiringamerica.org/es/electric-tax-credits.
• Many state and utility rebates still remain available.

How can our utility or organization add a program to CESN?

If you are a program administrator, you can request an update to the State database or Rewiring America database by visiting our Resources page and filling out a form. https://puc.colorado.gov/cesn-resources

How can our organization promote CESN or provide feedback on the tool?

To find a tool kit of resources to promote the tool or provide feedback for the tool, visit https://puc.colorado.gov/cesn-resources.