Clean Energy Financing is a Catalyst for 41 Communities Across Colorado
Highlighting the implementation of CCEF funding in Q4 of 2025
“These weren’t ‘flashy’ projects, but we’re already noticing the improved comfort, and just the peace of mind knowing we have a really efficient new system.”
– Melanie, Electrify & Save On-Bill Repayment Program Participant
With the warmest winter on record behind us and energy costs climbing across Colorado, the need for clean, sustainable energy solutions has never been clearer. Here’s how CCEF is supporting clean energy changes in our communities.
As Colorado’s designated green bank, Collective Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) helps turn clean energy goals into real outcomes for families and business owners by reducing barriers to financing clean energy projects. This, first-of-its-kind, Capital Impact Spotlight shares how clean energy and energy efficiency investments across Colorado are helping people live better, healthier lives while supporting reduced utility costs and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Residential Impact
By the end of 2025, CCEF has deployed a total of $59 million in capital across residential financing offerings, empowering clean energy adoption in 41 of Colorado’s 64 counties and ensuring thousands of households have access to reliable, affordable energy upgrades. While these statistics demonstrate scale, the real impact is felt in the homes and lives of the people behind the numbers.
CCEF administers two residential programs; Colorado Renewable Energy Upgrade Loan (RENU) and On-Bill Repayment (OBR). In Q4 of 2025, $4.2 million in loans was mobilized to finance 17 OBR and 132 RENU projects for Colorado residents in 17 counties. The average project size for OBR was $24,504 and for RENU was $30,413.
For Allison and Ben, living off grid in the alpine southwest means that every energy decision requires a thoughtful approach. RENU made it possible to install a solar PV unit and backup battery dedicated to charging their electric vehicle (EV). Now they can charge their vehicle without drawing power from their home energy system or driving into town. The environmental benefits are just as important as convenience to Allison and Ben while maintaining their off-the-grid mountain lifestyle.
OBR helped Carlos to install a new air-source heat pump, a heat pump water heater, and upgraded insulation in the flooring and crawl space to overcome the challenge of keeping his mountain home in the Rio Grande National Forest warm during the winter months. Not only did Carlos and his wife notice significant improvements to the comfort and efficiency of their home, they were able to save nearly $13,000 in project costs through rebates and are saving over $200 per month on their utility bill.
CCEF added 8 new authorized contractors to our network in Q4 of 2025, the highest quarterly increase since CCEF’s inception, bringing our total statewide authorized contractor network to 184. More authorized contractors means that clean energy solutions and accessible financing are increasingly available across our state, especially in rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities.
“We have worked with Collective Clean Energy Fund since the beginning of the RENU product. We’ve always valued delivering the most amount of value to the customer. RENU offers the best rate through local financial institutions that builds trust and long term value,” said Ian Skor, Owner and CEO at Sandbox+ Solar, and Authorized CCEF Contractor
Commercial Impact
On the commercial side, CCEF awarded $4.22 million in loans to four projects in the last quarter of 2025, two of which are located in low income or disadvantaged communities. These projects support local businesses, conservation areas, nonprofit assistance programs, and strengthen regional economies alongside energy infrastructure. These clean energy projects also helped reduce energy usage by 531 MMBtu, avoided 68 metric tons of CO₂e, and saved an estimated $3,725 in public health costs to date.
For nonprofits like Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), their utility-funded programs operate on a reimbursement model, meaning EOC covers construction costs up-front and waits for reimbursement from their partner utilities. CCEF financing serves as their bridge, allowing projects to move forward while reimbursements are pending. EOC has been able to take on larger, longer-term projects without slowing crisis response or reducing vital services during periods of record demand.
“This funding allows us to expand our programs without unintentionally harming our participants who need immediate energy assistance.” Luke Ilderton, EOC Executive Director
For Bluff Lake Nature Center (BLNC), funding for their project launched the next chapter of the organization’s legacy. After decades of need, BLNC utilized their loan from CCEF to create a net-zero, all electric on-site building that includes: a public lobby, educational facility, bathrooms, two EV charging stations, administrative space for their staff and volunteers, passive solar principles, gathering areas, collaboration spaces, an ADA ramp to the trail, and overhangs that create outdoor classrooms. BLNC’s staff had been operating out of an office off-site for years.
However, BLNC was patient and intentional with their design efforts, partnerships, and commitment to sustainability and, as a result, created a building that will be used and cherished for generations to come.
Get more new like this and monthly updates, join our newsletter!
Alternating the focus between environmental impact, financial savings, and daily impacts in people’s lives, we demonstrate that our investments are more than dollars—they are healthier homes, stronger businesses, and more resilient communities.
