Rebates available for energy efficient rebuilds

The majority of homeowners who are rebuilding after the Marshall Fire in Superior are choosing energy efficiency but are not registering for rebates.

According to a press release Thursday from Alexis Bullen, sustainability analyst for Superior, of the almost 200 building permits that have been submitted to the town, approximately 70% of rebuilding homeowners are choosing to rebuild to higher energy codes despite the option to opt-out. Bullen said that people are choosing to build to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code standard or higher.

Bullen said that rebates are available to help make building an energy-efficient home more achievable, due to concerns that building to the new energy conservation codes are more expensive. However, Bullen said that of the homeowners who have chosen to build to the newer conservation code, only 20% have registered for rebates though Xcel Energy or the Colorado Energy Office. Depending on the energy-efficiency of a home, homeowners who lost their home in the fire and are rebuilding can qualify for a rebate of $37,500 through Xcel Energy and $10,000 through the Colorado Energy Office. Bullen said that rebuilding homeowners should sign up for rebates when submitting a permit application.

Bullen also said that until April 27, a Marshall Fire Energysmart advisor will be available for walk-in services from 9 a.m. to noon every second and fourth Thursday of the month to answer questions at the Superior Community Center at 1500 Coalton Road. More information on rebates and incentives for rebuilding a home after the fire can be found at rebuildingbetter.org.