Did you know that the City offers an on-bill financing program for home energy efficiency upgrades as well as solar and battery systems?
Epic Home Loans offers attractive rates to help you complete your upgrades!
What does it mean to "Go Electric"?#
Electrification, or 'going electric,' means transitioning from systems powered by fossil fuels like natural gas or propane to those powered by electricity. In Fort Collins, we're striving to generate 100% of our electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind. By making the switch to electric systems, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions as our energy mix becomes cleaner, creating a healthier environment. Electrification is a key step toward achieving carbon neutrality and preparing for a sustainable future in our community.
Why should you "Go Electric"?#
Begin your electrification journey with free energy advising!#
Before purchasing new equipment, sign up for free energy advising through our Epic Homes Program, in partnership with Efficiency Works. Our energy advisors provide personalized recommendations to ensure you choose the best equipment for your home and electrification needs. They’ll also guide you through local rebate options, helping you save money and make the most of your upgrades.
Please note: after speaking with an energy advisor there is no obligation to complete any improvements.
Below are six high-impact, energy-efficient steps to consider on your electrification journey.#
| Step | Description | City Rebates |
| 1. Smart thermostat |
Adjust your home's temperature automatically to optimize comfort and energy savings.* |
Purchase through the Efficiency Works Store for an instant rebate or apply for a post-purchase rebate. |
| 2. Heat pump water heater | ENERGY STAR certified models use 70% less energy than standard water heaters, saving over $5,600 over their lifetime. | Rebates are available through Efficiency Works. |
| 3. Air sealing & insulation |
The average home in Fort Collins has air leaks equivalent to three basketballs! Sealing leaks and insulating, especially in the attic, reduces energy costs. |
Rebates are available through Efficiency Works.** |
| 4. ENERGY STAR certified windows |
Reduce cold drafts in winter and reflect solar heat in summer. Weather stripping is a cost-effective upgrade to improve efficiency. |
Rebates are available through Efficiency Works.** |
| 5. Heat pump |
Heat pumps are energy-efficient systems that both heat AND cool your home, potentially saving over $900 a year on heating and cooling. |
Rebates are available through Efficiency Works.** |
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6. Assess your panel and service, prepare for an EV |
Ensure your home is electric ready! Consult an electrician to assess your panel for additional electric loads and prepare for EV adoption.*** |
Efficiency Works offers a $500 rebate for 200-amp panel upgrades to support eligible measures. Learn more about EV incentives from the City and Efficiency Works. |
*If you have a heat pump, please contact your HVAC contractor for the best settings for your equipment.
***For more information on panel and service upgrades, please reference the 'Need an electrical system update?' tab above.
Electrification Contributes to Community Climate Goals#
The City of Fort Collins is dedicated to creating a healthier, more sustainable future with ambitious goals for carbon neutrality, zero waste, and 100% renewable electricity. The Our Climate Future (OCF) community plan outlines three key objectives:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 2005 levels by 2030.
- Achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030 using grid and local sources.
- Eliminate landfill waste with 100% diversion by 2030.
Energy use in homes and businesses accounts for more than two-thirds of community emissions. By completing an Epic Homes upgrade and switching to electric systems, you contribute to OCF’s vision of “Efficient, Emissions-Free Buildings” and help make these goals a reality. Together, we can build a sustainable and resilient community.
Explore local, state, and federal incentives to make electrification more affordable.
| Local Resources |
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| State and Federal Tax Resources |
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Planning for Electrification: Steps to Ensure Your Electrical System is#
Electrification often increases electricity demand, requiring a professional evaluation of your current electrical system to ensure it can handle new loads. Follow these steps to prepare for your electrification projects:
Step 1: Get an Energy Assessment
Fort Collins Utilities partners with Efficiency Works Homes to offer reduced-cost home energy assessments for $60. An unbiased energy advisor can help with:
- Identifying project priorities using building science best practices.
- Pinpointing areas for performance improvements through diagnostic testing.
- Recommending upgrades and connecting you to the Efficiency Works network of qualified service providers.
Step 2: Work with an HVAC professional
An HVAC professional will perform a Manual J Load Calculation to determine the appropriate heat pump size and recommend suitable equipment. Key considerations include:
- Whether your home’s insulation and air sealing can eliminate the need for backup heat.
- The size and performance of ducts, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings.
- If electric backup heat is preferred over gas, consult an electrician to ensure your system supports it.
Note: To qualify for local rebates, you must work with a participating service provider. Find providers here.
Step 3: Work with an Electrician
A licensed electrician will evaluate your electrical system to confirm whether your panel can handle the added demand.
- If no upgrades are needed, proceed with your contractors on the electrification project.
- If upgrades are required, continue to Step 4.
Step 4: Permitting an upgrade
Before applying for a panel upgrade permit, your electrician should:
- Email electricprojectengineering@fcgov.com to request a review of the service line to ensure it can meet new demands.
- Submit an Electrical Permit Application after the review.
Utilities Electric Project Engineers will then provide an estimate for any necessary upgrades.
What to Know About Service Upgrades
- Service upgrade costs vary significantly, even within the same neighborhood.
- A larger service line may require a transformer upgrade, which can add costs.
- Electricians’ bids typically exclude the costs associated with service upgrades performed by Fort Collins Utilities.
- Contact electricprojectengineering@fcgov.com if your electrician recommends a service upgrade, and share their recommended service size.
By following these steps and consulting with professionals, you’ll ensure your home is prepared for a successful electrification project.
Electrification Benefits#
Reduce Your Heating Costs
If your home and water are currently heated with propane or electric resistance (electric baseboard heating or a standard electric water heater), switching to an efficient electric heat pump or heat pump water heater will reduce your annual heating costs.
Gain Functionality
Heat pumps cool the air in the summer and warm the air in the winter. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, adding a heat pump system will add air conditioning and improve your comfort during the summer months.
Reinvest in Community
As a community-owned utility, any revenues generated from your bill stay in Fort Collins. Not-for-profit operations ensure customer payments are reinvested directly in Utilities and programs that help us reach our community climate goals.
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- Electrical Panel Upgrade: Replacing an existing electrical panel (breaker box or fuse box) with a newer, larger panel allows it to handle more circuits or newer technologies. This upgrade is performed by a licensed electrician, typically after receiving equipment sizing proposals from an HVAC provider or plumber.
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Service Wire/Line Upgrade: In some cases, the service wire or line leading to your home (originating underground in Fort Collins) may need to be upgraded to meet increased demand. This involves increasing the electrical capacity from the utility company and is evaluated by your electrician during the panel upgrade process. Service line upgrades are overseen by City of Fort Collins Electrical Engineers and may include the:
- Transformer: Upgraded to safely deliver higher electricity demand to your neighborhood.
- Service Entry Cables: Cables running from the transformer to your home.
- Meter: The device measuring electricity usage may need to be replaced.
- Main Breaker: The primary disconnect switch may require upgrading.
- Panel: If unable to handle the increased capacity, the panel itself may need replacement.
- Efficiency Upgrades: Improving your home’s insulation and air sealing can reduce its overall energy demand, potentially allowing for smaller, more cost-effective electrical systems. Collaborating with an energy advisor and HVAC contractor can help optimize your home's efficiency and, in some cases, eliminate the need for costly panel and service upgrades.
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Have Xcel gas? Here's how to get your gas meter removed (for free).
- Call Xcel customer service at 1-800-895-4999.
- Ask for a specialist.
- Tell them you would like your Natural Gas Service meter removed.
- IMPORTANT: Tell them you are not requesting a Natural Gas Service Demolition (this will incur a charge).
Meter removal: only removes the meter, the supply pipe remains.
Demolition: the gas supply pipe is removed and capped.
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Fun facts about heat pumps!#
![A heat pump on a home]()
- Dual Purpose: Heat pumps replace both your traditional air conditioner and heating system in one efficient unit.
- Energy Efficiency: They are 2–3 times more efficient than most fossil-fuel heating systems, helping you save energy and money.
- Cold Climate Performance: Heat pumps work in some of the coldest regions, including snowy Norway, Finland, and Sweden. In the U.S., over 115,000 heat pumps keep homes warm in Maine, a state known for its frigid winters.
- Extreme Cold Capability: Heat pumps can efficiently heat your home even when temperatures drop to -20°F.
- Flexible Installation: Heat pumps don’t require pre-existing ductwork, making them a great option for many homes.
Did You Know?
Setting your air conditioner's temperature higher and using portable fans or ceiling fans helps keep your house cool while saving energy.
You can save water by installing WaterSense showerheads.
You can reduce ‘vampire’ power waste by unplugging electronics that are not in use or plugging them into a smart power strip.