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.
What is On-Bill Repayment?
On-Bill Repayment (OBR) is a financing mechanism that enables homeowners to install high-quality energy efficiency or electrification upgrades without the upfront cost. Instead, the total cost of the measure and installation is repaid over time through a voluntary line item on the customer’s monthly utility bill.
Unlike traditional loan financing, CCEF provides the initial investment for installation. Approval is based on the customer's utility payment history rather than credit history—requiring no late payments within the past 12 consecutive months and no shutoffs within the past 6 months—making the process more accessible and streamlined.
Because these upgrades are designed to improve efficiency, most households experience energy savings that exceed their repayment amount, meaning lower bills and greater comfort.
The program is made possible through our partner, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, and participating utility cooperative territories. Co-ops serve as trusted community utilities and play a key role in the success of On-Bill Repayment, acting as the conduit for offering the program to end users. They also oversee the billing history requirements. As far as administration, that is all, primarily, on CCEF.
Participating utilities include:
- Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA)
- Sangre De Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA)
- Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA)
- San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (SLVREC)
- Highline Electric Association (HEA)
- White River Electric Association (WREA)
- San Miguel Power Association (SMPA)
By the Numbers
Since its launch, the Electrify and Save On-bill Repayment program has achieved some exciting milestones:
- 100+ projects completed
- $1 million in home energy upgrades financed
- 7 (soon to be 8) new electric co-ops
- 60+ pre-authorized contractors within the CCEF network
Upgrades include high-efficiency technologies like heat pump water heaters, HVAC systems, EV charging, and electric panel upgrades, as well as home performance measures such as insulation and window replacements. These upgrades reduce energy use, lower utility costs, and create more resilient homes.
Click here to see the full list of eligible measures.
Why These Milestones Matter
Each milestone reflects broader community benefits:
- More contractors mean more local jobs. Expanding the contractor pool strengthens Colorado’s clean energy workforce while providing new opportunities for local businesses to thrive.
- More co-ops mean more communities included. Each cooperative that joins the program helps the initiative reach new households, expanding equitable access across the board.
- Every dollar invested creates long-term savings. Investments in home energy upgrades help families save money while making their homes more resilient.
Beyond the Numbers:
Connecting directly with homeowners who have benefited from on-bill repayment allows us to see the impact beyond the numbers. Here's what borrowers have to say about their experience:
Christina Wingert: Alamosa, CO
Measures financed: Air source heat pump and insulation upgrade
“I was really happy with how the project was handled from start to finish. I would absolutely recommend On-Bill to anyone trying to save money and avoid the headache of managing this kind of upgrade themselves.”
Read Christina's story here.
Dan Schroeder: Peyton, CO
Measures financed: Air source heat pump
“On-bill was the right fit for me because of the convenience and simplicity of the process.”
Read Dan’s story here.
Looking Ahead:
These first-year results are just the beginning. CCEF is committed to scaling the Electrify and Save On-bill Repayment program so more community members can participate. Looking ahead, CCEF’s vision is to expand the program to additional co-ops and service areas, continue growing its network of trusted contractors, and ensure that low-income and disadvantaged communities (LIDACs) are among the first to benefit.
Are you a contractor? Click here to learn more about how to become authorized for the Electrify and Save On-Bill Repayment program.
