On-Bill Repayment (OBR) program
Air-Source Heat Pump, Water Heater, and Insulation Upgrade for Carlos
What CCEF
Financed
Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP), Water Heater, and Insulation Upgrade
“I can’t say enough good things about the program. It really made a difference for my wife and me.”
– Carlos
About the Project
Location: South Fork, Colorado
Measure(s) Financed: Air-Source Heat Pump, Water Heater, and Insulation
The Story
In April of 2020, Carlos and his wife inherited their family’s mountain vacation home—a 3,000-square-foot, three-story cabin nestled in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest. Originally purchased by a family back in the 1930s, the home has been a cherished retreat for generations. However, keeping it comfortable through long Colorado winters, where temperatures can plunge to -20°F, is no small feat.
Carlos first learned about the Electrify and Save On-Bill Repayment (OBR) program in May of 2024 after seeing a Facebook post. He was initially intrigued by the program’s payment terms and convenience, by allowing homeowners to make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes with no money down and at interest rates below 5%. CCEF covers the installation and equipment costs, and the homeowner is responsible for repaying the costs as a voluntary line item on their monthly utility bill. The simplicity and ease of repayment terms fit perfectly with Carlos’ situation, making OBR a seamless way to finance some necessary upgrades.
Once approved and the project was set into motion, Carlos describes the process as smooth and collaborative. With support from program partners at Tri-State Generation and Transmission, CCEF, and Zero Homes, Carlos was able to navigate the process smoothly and install a new air-source heat pump, a water heater, and upgraded insulation in his floor and crawl spaces. He expressed how difficult it had been to keep the house consistently warm from room to room because of the size of the house, but with these transformative upgrades, he and his wife have noticed significant improvements to the comfort and efficiency of their home. Thanks to multiple rebates and tax credits, Carlos was also able to save about $13,000, helping offset some of the costs from the start.
“The heat pump really does save money. We were paying about $450 a month for propane before the upgrade. Now our electric bill is about $130,” Carlos shared.
One of the concerns Carlos encountered was ensuring the system could handle extreme cold. Zero Homes and Carlos collaborated closely to select equipment that could withstand sub-zero temperatures, paired with a protective covering made to withstand heavy snow and ice. Carlos was extremely pleased with the results and is now able to keep his home consistently warm throughout the year. When asked if he’d recommend the On-Bill Repayment program to others, Carlos didn’t hesitate:
“The people who are running the on-bill repayment program; they care. They want to do good. I can’t say enough good things about the program. It really made a difference for my wife and me.”
Interested in upgrading your home’s comfort and efficiency this winter? Click here to learn more about the Electrify and Save On-Bill Repayment Program and find out if it’s right for you.
