Did you know that in Colorado, one in four households struggle to afford their home energy costs? Electricity allows us to turn on our lights, heat and cool our homes, powers our internet access,
washing machines, and other day-to-day luxuries that we can sometimes take for granted. Especially during a time such as this, when many people are still struggling to get back on their feet following the financial challenges brought on by the pandemic, having access to electricity is something we should be thankful for. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty broker, Garrett Beserra, was moved to donate to Energy Outreach Colorado and Namaste Solar, to ensure that more Coloradans could afford to keep the lights on in their homes.
Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) leads a network of industry, state, and local partners to Support, Stabilize and Sustain Coloradans to afford their energy needs. By providing bill pay assistance, more energy-efficient upgrades, and advocating for energy security with community leaders, EOC is building a brighter future for Colorado. Beserra’s generous donation of $55,000 will have a direct impact on the families within our communities that struggle with energy insecurity. The donation equates to a 37% reduction of the annual energy cost for 220 households and will also offset the equivalent CO2 emissions of 197,755,000 pounds of coal burned. In 2021, the EOD reported serving 21,747 households via the Bill Payment Assistance Program.
“Giving back to the community is something that I am passionate about. When I came across this opportunity with Namaste and Energy Outreach Colorado, I thought that rather than working with an organization that donates physical goods that a person or household may or may not need, I could eliminate at least part of a financial burden that will allow the recipients to focus on the things that really matter to them,” said Beserra.
The EOC Bill Payment Assistance program works in tandem with Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) to help alleviate some of the burdens that vulnerable Coloradans face. It’s programs like this that can make a difference for members of our community every day. To learn more about the Bill Payment Assistance program and other vital energy initiatives, visit energyoutreach.org.
Creating Clean Energy Alternatives in Colorado
In addition to helping those in need with the burden of rising energy costs, EOC is utilizing community solar gardens to create more clean energy solutions in Colorado. While studies show that nearly 50% of the home in the U.S. are not suitable for rooftop solar panels, any household can make solar a part of their power supply by subscribing to a community solar garden. Community solar gardens are centrally-located solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that provide electricity to participating subscribers. Community solar gardens are for people who want to go solar but are unable to do so on their own.
Last year, EOC partnered with Xcel Energy to launch the first solar gardens in the nation that are owned by an investor-owned utility, and which are 100% dedicated to limited-income households in Boulder Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld County. These solar subscriptions provide impactful, long-term savings to some of EOC’s most energy-burdened households. There are currently 918 households enrolled in this solar program, each saving approximately $200-$500 on their annual energy costs.
Homebuying with the Planet in Mind
For those looking to make a fresh start in a new home that is already eco-friendly, Beserra is here to help. His passion for providing energy solutions includes helping homebuyers find a residence that will provide them with the lifestyle they love while lessening their impact on the environment.
Bessera specializes in representing residences that have the ability to be fitted with solar power and more eco-friendly features as well as properties that can be “hacked” to make owning a home more affordable and realistic for first-time homeowners and those who may not be able to afford a home by themselves.
Some of these exciting upcoming housing opportunities include:
- New townhome development at 1242 Oceola which will consist of 4 units starting at $900,000 with solar power and house hacking capabilities
- Townhome community at 10th Avenue with 17 units with solar power and house hacking capabilities
- 8th Avenue townhome complex with 12 units and with solar power and house hacking capabilities