A new bill signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis offers residents whose homes were destroyed by the Marshall or East Troublesome fires a $10,000 grant to help Coloradans build high-efficiency electric homes or long-term rental units.
The grant, offered through Senate Bill 22-206, will be the first grant program from the Colorado Energy Office for homes lost in the Marshall and East Troublesome fires, according to a news release from Boulder County. The bill also established an Office of Climate Preparedness that will take a long-term approach to wildfire mitigation.
To qualify for the funding, the rebuilt homes must use heat pumps for space heating, electric stoves which includes either electric resistance or induction, and heat pump water heaters, the release said. Incidental gas use for equipment, such as fireplaces or grills, is allowed. Homes must be built to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code standards, Boulder County’s BuildSmart standards for unincorporated Boulder County, or stronger standards in order to earn the incentive.
The details of timing and program administration are still being finalized and will be shared on RebuildingBetter.org when they are available, the release stated. The incentive from the Colorado Energy Office may be added to the incentive program offered by Xcel Energy for Marshall Fire victims.
EnergySmart, Boulder County’s free residential energy efficiency advising program, has hired Robby Schwarz as a dedicated Marshall Fire new homes building advisor. Schwarz’s advising services are available at no cost to homeowners, builders, code officials, trade partners, and others.
For more information call 303-544-1000 or email info@EnergySmartYes.com.
EnergySmart is hosting a virtual meeting for builders and architects supporting Marshall Fire rebuilding efforts at 9 a.m. on Thursday. The meeting is an opportunity to learn about the latest homeowner and builder rebates, grants and discounts available for Marshall Fire projects. Registration for the meeting can be completed at bit.ly/3OlgOxV.
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