The Grid
Blog posts and articles from the CCEF
So, What is a Green Bank?
As communities across the U.S. work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and modernize infrastructure, one financial model has emerged as a powerful catalyst: the green bank. So what exactly is a green bank, and how does it work?
Celebrating Our 2025 Residential Contractor Incentive Program Winners
CCEF is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Residential Contractor Incentive Program, designed to reward top-performing contractors in our programs! Winners were evaluated by the total number of completed projects in 2025. Contractors are critical to our mission of supporting the transition to clean energy and creating meaningful, sustainable change. They provide valuable expertise to turn plans and investments into action in homes and communities across Colorado. The 2025 residential contractor incentive program was available to any CCEF-authorized contractor completing projects under the Electrify and Save On-Bill Repayment Program or the Residential Energy Upgrade Loan (RENU) program.
How to Winterize Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide
As temperatures drop this winter season, it doesn’t take long to notice if your home struggles to stay warm. Drafty rooms, uneven temperatures, and sky-high heating bills can all point to efficiency issues. Preparing your home for winter isn’t just about making one fix, but about how well different home improvement strategies work together to trap heat and keep the cold out.
Rethinking Commercial Heating: Heat Pumps Take the Lead
The state of Colorado has made substantial strides in renewable energy in recent years. Understanding its progress, including how it stacks up against other U.S. states, offers valuable insight into the broader clean energy transition.
Heat Pump Water Heaters 101
If you’re looking for a simple, energy-efficient way to heat water you use at your home or business, a heat pump water heater (HPWH) could be a great option. These systems can be two to three times more efficient than electric resistance water heaters.
Colorado’s Road to Renewable Energy and How It Compares Across the U.S.
The state of Colorado has made substantial strides in renewable energy in recent years. Understanding its progress, including how it stacks up against other U.S. states, offers valuable insight into the broader clean energy transition.
Electrify and Save: Celebrating $1M in Home Energy Upgrades Funded
As 2025 comes to a close, the Collective Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) is reflecting on the progress and impact of the Electrify and Save On-Bill Repayment (OBR) Program. Launched in May 2024, this program offers an innovative repayment solution at no up-front cost, designed to expand access to clean energy upgrades for Colorado homeowners in participating utility co-operative territories. From the start, the goal was simple yet transformative: help more people make the switch to clean or energy-efficient technologies without high financial barriers.
Don’t Miss Out: Federal Clean Energy Incentives Expiring Soon for Colorado Businesses
As of September 2025, Colorado businesses face a limited window to capitalize on federal clean energy incentives before they are significantly reduced or eliminated. The recent “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) accelerates the phase-out of key tax credits and deductions, making this moment critical for businesses looking to invest in renewable energy, energy storage, and energy-efficient building improvements.
Staff Picks: Clean Energy Upgrades
At Collective Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), we practice what we preach. Many of us have brought clean energy upgrades into our own homes, from efficient heating and cooling systems to better insulation and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. In this blog, three team members share their favorite upgrades, offering firsthand insight into what worked, what surprised them, and why these solutions are worth considering.
The End of Clean Vehicle Credits: What Businesses Need to Know
Now is the time to learn how to take advantage of these tax credits before they’re gone. Join us on Wednesday, August 27th for a free virtual workshop on how to build electrification for your business.
How Small Businesses Can Drive Self-Sufficiency through Increased Domestic Energy Production
From renewable investments to expanded energy infrastructure, this national shift toward more domestic energy production is a practical, economic opportunity for businesses at every level.
Summer Home Maintenance Tips for Colorado Homeowners
Summer is the perfect time to tackle some preventive home maintenance tasks that not only enhance comfort but can also result in substantial energy savings.
How Small Businesses Can Leverage Technology to Improve Energy Resilience
Across Colorado, small C&I owners are using modern energy technologies to reduce operating costs, improve energy resilience, and build a sustainable future.
Two Ways to Finance Your EV Charging Stations with the Charge Ahead Loan
CCEF has partnered with the Charge Ahead Colorado grant program, administered by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), to offer the Charge Ahead Loan. This loan provides a flexible, accessible financing option for organizations that have been awarded a Charge Ahead Colorado grant. Whether you need to finance your full project or simply bridge the reimbursement gap, the Charge Ahead Loan can help.
RENU Q1 Contractor of the Quarter: Photon Brothers
\We are proud to recognize Photon Brothers as the Top Performing Contractor for the Colorado RENU Loan Program in Quarter 1 of 2025.
What Is Underwriting? A Beginner’s Guide to the Loan Approval Process
Essentially, underwriting is the process by which financial institutions assess the risk of lending money to a borrower.
Quick Tips for Contractors: Make the Most of the Electrify and Save On-Bill Repayment Program
In this blog, we’ll share a few tips on how you, the contractor, can make the most of the Electrify and Save On-Bill Repayment program administered by CCEF.
How Integrating Sustainable Business Practices Can Improve Your Bottom Line
Businesses that integrate sustainable practices into their operations not only contribute to a healthier planet but can also improve their financial performance.
Home Electrification 101: How to Upgrade Your Home for Efficiency
As energy costs rise and the need for sustainable living becomes more urgent, many homeowners are turning to home electrification as a way to potentially address their carbon footprint, energy efficiency, and utility bill costs.
How Small Businesses in Rural Communities Can Benefit from Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Small businesses are the backbone of rural communities, providing jobs, services, and economic stability. However, rural business owners may face high energy costs, unreliable power supply, and limited access to financing for energy improvements.
Rising Home Energy Demand & Practical Tips for Homeowners
With the rise in energy demand, there are a variety of steps homeowners can take to manage and potentially reduce individual energy consumption.
The Road to Net Zero: How Zero-Emissions Transportation Supports Climate Goals
To address the climate crisis and achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, decarbonizing transportation must be a top priority.
Navigating Compliance of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Program
Understanding and adhering to the following requirements is essential for projects seeking funding through CCEF’s GGRF program.
Stay Warm This Winter Without Breaking the Bank: Six Energy-Efficiency Strategies for a Cozy Home
Winter is just around the corner, and as temperatures drop, the urge to crank up the heat increases. However, heating bills can add up quickly, and excessive energy use isn’t great for the environment.
Benefits of Distributed Energy Generation and Storage for Businesses and Communities
In the United States, distributed energy generation capacity is expected to grow by 70% through 2028 according to a Wood Mackenzie report.
Press Release: CCEF Launches a Request for Information (RFI) to Solicit Submissions for Shovel-Ready Projects in EPA Region 8
Collective Clean Energy Fund, a mission-first, non-profit community lender providing clean energy and energy efficiency financing products and programs, is pleased to announce the official launch of a Request for Information (RFI) calling for submissions for projects across Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8.
Energy Efficiency and Building Decarbonization: A Holistic Approach to a Sustainable Future
Building decarbonization and energy efficiency are deeply interconnected. Energy efficiency reduces the amount of energy required to operate a building, while decarbonization ensures that the remaining energy demand is met through clean, low-carbon sources.
How Solar Panels Work: Understanding Residential Solar PV Systems and Their Impact on Home Energy Consumption
At the center of any residential solar system is the solar panel, a device that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity. Solar panels are made up of numerous photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are critical to transforming sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
EV Charging in the Workplace: Grants, Financing, and Resources
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, workplaces across the country are recognizing the benefits of installing EV charging stations. Explore how the Charge Ahead Colorado program, Charge Ahead Loan, and Recharge Coaches can help!
Colorado Clean Energy Fund Becomes Collective Clean Energy Fund: A New Name for a Broader Impact
The CCEF team is excited to reintroduce ourselves as Collective Clean Energy Fund! This name change reflects our commitment to expanding our reach and impact as we grow beyond Colorado and serve the larger EPA 8 region.
Comparing Residential Programs: Colorado Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan verses On-Bill Repayment (OBR) Program
Ready to make an upgrade or need to replace aging equipment in your home? One of the residential programs [...]
Air Quality Index Explained: How AQI Affects Our Environment
Introduction The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a crucial tool used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to measure air [...]
Press Release: CCEF Board of Directors Welcomes Three New Members
Colorado Clean Energy Fund (“CCEF”), a non-profit community lender that fills financing gaps for clean energy projects in the residential and business sectors, is proud to announce the addition of three distinguished board members.
The Basics of Geothermal Energy: How It Works, Uses, and Its Benefits
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that comes from the natural heat that is produced within the Earth. [...]
Tips to Beat the Heat this Summer: 5 Energy-Saving Tips to Keep Your Home Cool
As we brace for the impending heat wave this weekend, here are some essential tips to help you stay cool [...]
Air-Source Heat Pumps: More Than Just a Heating Solution
Ready to efficiently heat up (and cool down) your home or business? Click here to browse our flexible financing [...]
Breaking Down GGRF: What It Is and How the Programs Relate
Are you ready to start your next clean energy project? Click here to explore our low-cost financing options for [...]
How to Optimize Your RENU Experience: 2 Easy Steps for Contractors
To become an authorized RENU Contractor, complete the application here. To download the RENU Contractor Guide for the MerchantLinQ [...]
CCEF’s 2023 Highlights: Expanding Access through Strategic Partnerships
Interested in learning more about CCEF’s impact and contribution to Colorado communities? Take a look at our 2023 annual [...]
Press Release: Colorado’s Green Bank Expands Footprint to Seven New Counties in Colorado
Over Half of New Projects Executed in Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities
Press Release: New Electrify and Save On-Bill Repayment Program expands access to beneficial electrification and energy efficiency
Program features no money down, no credit check and low-interest rates, breaking down barriers to accessing energy efficiency and electrification benefits
How Solar and Energy Efficiency Work Together to Maximize Savings for Homeowners
Thinking about going solar or adding other energy efficiency upgrades in your home? Check out our various residential loan [...]
Green Banking 101: Understanding the Unique Role of Green Banks
Are you a homeowner or business owner looking to embark on your next clean energy project? Learn more about [...]
Press Release: Colorado Clean Energy Fund Named an Official Sub-Recipient of EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
State Green Bank Poised to Scale Clean Energy Financing Across EPA Region 8 States, Including 28 Tribal Nations
Driving Forward with Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of transportation [...]
The Future of Building Decarbonization: Trends and Innovations
The pursuit of a sustainable future has led the construction industry toward a transformative path—building decarbonization. As concerns about [...]
Press Release: Colorado Clean Energy Fund and Drive Clean Colorado Join Forces to Propel EV Charging Infrastructure Statewide
New Partnership Offers Financing and Resources in Time for Charge Ahead Grant Application from Colorado Energy Office
The Cost & Benefits of Clean Energy for Business Owners
As we pivot toward a more sustainable future, business owners have a crucial role in helping to transition our [...]
Financing Clean Energy as a Homeowner
The shift toward clean energy is not just a global trend, but a personal journey for many homeowners. With [...]
Home Insulation: Why You Need This Energy Update
Insulation — a vital component in any home — plays an integral role in your home's energy efficiency. Whether [...]
Clean Energy: How Sustainable Goals Become Reality
As we make strides to tackle climate change, sustainability has emerged as a guiding principle for global development and [...]
How to Bring Clean Energy to Remote and Indigenous Communities
In our concerted global effort to combat climate change, it's essential to ensure the equitable distribution of clean energy. [...]
Why Buy a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps have been steadily gaining popularity over the years, and it's not hard to see why. These cutting-edge [...]
EV Charging Options and Benefits
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming the future of transportation — a future that’s unfolding across the nation and [...]
Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Barriers to Renewable Energy Adoption
The transition to renewable energy is a pivotal step in combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future. However, [...]
Renewable Energy for Businesses
As renewable energy technologies continue to become more and more affordable, and corporate sustainability commitments rise, more businesses are [...]
The Importance of Energy Efficiency in Combating Climate Change
As summer heat waves, winter storms, and extreme weather events wrack Colorado, the rest of the United States, and [...]
What Is a Carbon Footprint?
What Is a Carbon Footprint? An individual’s carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gasses — primarily carbon [...]
Renewable Energy and Rural Development
On February 16, 2022, the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) Board of Directors all agreed on one thing: it [...]
Press Release: Colorado Green Bank Provides Over $1MM in Clean Energy Financing for Non-Profit Art Education in Boulder
Colorado Clean Energy Fund financed over $1 million in clean energy installations and maintenance to create a self-reliant building for Studio Arts Boulder
Press Release: Affordable Housing Initiative to Go Electric For Housing Units in Diverse Loveland Community
Colorado Clean Energy Fund and Loveland Housing Authority Partner for All Electric Single and Multi-Family Unit Homes
Press Release: Leading Energy Finance Experts Partner to Offer Low-Cost Financing for LED Building Retrofits in Colorado
Colorado Clean Energy Fund and National Energy Improvement Fund partner to finance LED lighting for Colorado-based businesses at below-market interest rates
Press Release: Colorado Local Businesses Find Clean Energy Finance Solutions Through State’s Green Bank
Colorado Clean Energy Fund is addressing the roadblocks for commercial building owners to fund clean energy projects with Energy Project Accelerator Loan
What is Air Pollution?
Polluted air has a higher toll than you might imagine. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, “air pollution is [...]
All About Solar Panels
What Are Solar Panels? Solar panels are devices that harness solar power by converting the energy of sunlight into [...]
Climate Change 101
What Is Climate Change? Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of average global weather patterns, including temperature, precipitation, [...]
Power Grid Stability and Renewable Energy
What Is a Power Grid? A power grid, or electric grid, is a complex network of transmission lines, substations, [...]
Renewable Energy 101
What Is Renewable Energy? Renewable energy is energy generated from renewable resources—sources that are naturally replenished at a faster [...]
What is Water Pollution?
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances or contaminants are present in water bodies, including surface water, ocean water, and [...]
Celebrating Women in Energy
Many women have shattered the glass ceiling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—women like Edith Clarke, Mária Telkes, and [...]
Press Release: Colorado’s green bank mobilizes $118 million in clean energy projects and infrastructure statewide
Colorado Clean Energy Fund Poised to Expand Clean Energy Access for Under-resourced Communities Statewide
What is Thermal Pollution?
The output of excess heat can have major detrimental impacts on our communities and environment. Here’s [...]
HVAC Systems and Clean Energy
The temperature of your house is about more than comfort. When weather turns extreme, it’s crucial to have shelter [...]
Electrifying Your Home
What Does It Mean To Electrify Your Home? Electrifying your home means transitioning to an all-electric home that relies [...]
All About Solar Energy
As we move away from greenhouse gas emissions and toward a cleaner and greener future, there are many renewable [...]
What Is Environmental Justice?
As the effects of climate change continue to put pressure on our environment and society, there are many areas [...]
What is a Green Bank?
What is a Green Bank? With the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GHGRF) underway, you may be hearing more about [...]
Happy 5 Years to the Colorado RENU Loan Program!
December 2022 marks the 5th year anniversary of the RENU Loan Program. RENU was launched in December 2017 to [...]
CCEF Featured Articles
Below you'll find a list of CCEF Featured Articles from news and media across the U.S. 2025April 22, 2025 | [...]
Press Release: Historic School Building Transforms into Energy Efficient, Low-Income Housing in Rural Colorado
CCEF helped catalyze energy efficiency upgrades for Brush Central Village, providing affordable housing units in an area of the state that currently has a limited supply.
