The Denver area just launched a huge $200 million program called Power Ahead Colorado to help homeowners and buildings switch to clean energy. Low-income homeowners can get up to $50,000 in free upgrades.

What Is Power Ahead Colorado?

Power Ahead Colorado is run by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). The program helps pay for heat pumps and energy upgrades to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the Denver metro area.

Heat pumps are electric devices that can both heat and cool your home. They're more efficient than furnaces and air conditioners, which means lower energy bills.

How Much Money Can I Get?

For Low-Income Homeowners

If you qualify as low-income, you can get about $50,000 in completely free upgrades. This includes:

Heat pump installation
Weatherization (making your home more energy-efficient)
Other energy-saving improvements

The exact amount depends on what your home needs. These upgrades are 100% paid for - you don't have to pay anything back.

For All Homeowners

All homeowners in the Denver area can get incentives starting at $1,000 for heat pumps. Larger buildings like apartments or commercial buildings can get even bigger incentives.

You can combine these rebates with other programs from Xcel Energy or the state of Colorado to save even more money.

Who Can Apply?

Anyone who owns a home or building in the Denver metro area can apply. Low-income homeowners get the most help with fully paid upgrades. All other building owners can get incentive payments.

How Do I Apply?

The program just launched in January 2026. Here's how to get started:

Visit poweraheadcolorado.org to learn more
Use the Colorado Contractor Hub to find qualified contractors
Call the program hotline to ask questions about installation or quotes
Your contractor will help you apply for the rebates

What Else Does the Program Offer?

Training for Workers: The program will train almost 5,000 contractors and workers to install heat pumps
Help for Cities: Local governments get over $40 million to update building codes and make rules clearer
Marketing and Education: The program includes ad campaigns to teach people about heat pumps

Why This Matters

Buildings are the biggest source of pollution in the Denver area - even more than cars. By helping thousands of homes switch to clean energy, the program will improve air quality and reduce diseases like asthma.

The program runs for four years and is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Denver Power Ahead Colorado: $200 Million for Clean Energy Upgrades