With a focus on partnership, CEE helps shape the future of energy in Colorado

While CEE remains close to our roots in Minnesota, our work is continually expanding to new regions and markets seeking the most effective energy efficiency solutions for buildings. Since June 2022, CEE’s Colorado-based team of energy advisors and program implementers have made a significant impact in Colorado in partnership with Michaels Energy and the City and County of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR). CASR published their 2024 Annual Report with highlights from the building electrification pilot and programs, work for which CEE contributed equity priority building energy advising, outreach, training, and incentive design. The report shows significant promise for the future of energy efficiency in colder climates like Colorado.

As in most areas across the country, most of Denver’s carbon pollution comes from transportation and energy used to heat, cool, and power buildings, but unlike most municipalities in the U.S., the city has funding dedicated to climate action and resiliency. In 2020, Denver voters approved the Climate Protection Fund (CPF), the funds of which are reinvested into the community to build sustainability and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a focus on energy equity. These policies and programs are accelerating the transition to cleaner, healthier homes and buildings.

CEE was brought on as a valuable partner for their vast experience and expertise in advising multifamily and commercial building owners on cost-effective and sustainable energy practices, stakeholder engagement with utilities and policy leaders, and collecting and analyzing data to find the most equitable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy solutions for buildings.

CEE staff contributed to the following community impacts through this work in 2024:

• 1,791 clean energy systems installed at homes, businesses, and nonprofits
• 1,063 heat pumps installed 

Over the life of the project, CEE's primary contribution was to ensure funding reached equity priority buildings:

• Approximately a $3.5 million impact
• Over 945 hours dedicated to contractor support and direct facilitation to equity priority building owners

The pilot that CEE supported is expected to lead to the following estimated GHG emissions savings from 2024–2040:

• 3,427 mtCO2e for the Existing Commercial Building Electrification Pilots

This work will leave a lasting impact on Denver's sustainability, public health, and affordability for decades to come. States like Colorado and Minnesota are leading the nations in sustainability practices and investments from which their residents and businesses will prosper and thrive. CEE is proud to be part of this work that is setting a precedent for other cities and states to follow for a more sustainable and cost-effective energy infrastructure for all.