Public Works Department
Environmental Services

Find out how much energy you are using

Broomfield residents can now check out Power Check Meters at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library. Xcel Energy has supplied 25 of the meters that patrons can check out for a three-week period. The meters can be used with any standard 120-volt appliance or electronic device to measure voltage, electricity cost, and electric consumption. They can help calculate cost savings for replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models and help identify appliances that use energy even when switched off.

The Power Check Meters are available to check out at no cost. Each kit includes a wattsupPRO™ meter, detailed instructions on its use, and additional tips and information to help residents save energy. Using less energy conserves natural resources, reduces power plant emissions, and can save YOU money!

Call the Library at 720.887.2301 to check availability!

Energy Expo Planned for United Power Members

October 16, 2010

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Free Admission

Erie High School
3180 County Road 5
Erie, CO 80516

United Power is the electric energy provider for many residents in the northern portion of Broomfield. Members are invited to attend a FREE event designed to help them save energy and spend less on energy bills.

This United Power Energy Expo will be on Saturday, October 16, at Erie High School.

Hands-on workshops will teach how to save energy and money and provide information about renewable energy. There will also be a seminar addressing the misconceptions people have about saving energy. A variety of energy experts and manufacturers of energy-saving products will be on hand to answer questions. Food, drawings, and door prizes are included!

Visit United Power's web site or the United Newsline (member publication) for updates and more details.

Governor's Energy Office Offering Rebates

Beginning in March 2010, the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) will offer rebates to Colorado residents who install energy efficiency and renewable energy measures as part of the state's "Recharge Colorado" Campaign.

Colorado residents can tap into the campaign on the RechargeColorado web page where they can reserve a rebate online. A supplement to the website, a call center is available at 1.800.462.0184.

Not all products and services will qualify for a rebate. You should not choose a product or service for purchase until the program has launched. The rebates will be offered statewide on a first-come, first-served basis through 2012 or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first. The GEO has developed this program based on stringent criteria from the U.S. Department of Energy and the needs of Coloradans. Visit the GEO website for general appliance and technology categories offered in March of 2010, along with other information. Funding for these rebates is provided by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)of 2009.

The GEO rebates will not be retroactive.

United Power's Cycled Air Program - Earn a $30 Bill Credit Annually!

You must be a United Power member receiving electric service from United Power to participate.

If you have central air conditioning (room and window air conditioners are not eligible), you can receive a $30 bill credit when you sign up for the Cycled Air program. The Cycled Air program helps your electric cooperative reduce peak energy consumption and control expensive peak costs.

Be part of the energy solution and get paid for your efforts! Visit United Power's site for more information.

Energy Star Energy Audit Information

An energy audit is often the first step in making your home or business more efficient. An audit can help you assess how much energy is used and evaluate what measures you can take to improve efficiency. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Program provides helpful information on how you can perform your own home energy audit or gives guidance on how to select a professional contractor to perform a more in-depth audit for your business.

Do-It-Yourself Audits for Homeowners

If you have five minutes and your last 12 months of utility bills, use the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick to compare your home's energy efficiency to similar homes across the country and get recommendations for energy-saving home improvements from ENERGY STAR. You will also need to enter some basic information about your home (such as zip code, age, square footage, and number of occupants). If you don't have your bills, contact your utility for a 12-month summary. Xcel Energy also provides energy conservation information for its residential customers.

Businesses, Buildings and Plants All Reap the Benefits of Energy Audits

Improving the energy performance of buildings and plants requires managing energy strategically across the entire organization. EPA provides strategies, tools, professional assistance, and recognition opportunities to help you meet your goals and contribute to ENERGY STAR™s nationwide challenge to improve the energy efficiency of facilities by 10 percent or more! The Energy Star Target Finder can help set realistic energy performance goals for your business, building or plant.

Business related links:

Energy Management for Buildings and Plants

Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency

Public Works Department Environmental Services