There are a number of ways you can "go green" in terms of your power consumption. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Purchase Green Power blocks

GEO/SLVREC Partner Programs

Solar Hot Water

Photovoltaic Systems

Energy Conservation

Green Power Sign Up Form

Purchasing green power blocks is the least expensive and easiest way to "go green." You control how much, or how little, green power you purchase. The amount of green power you purchase enters the electric grid and will offset power generation through conventional sources.

You may elect to purchase 100 kWh green power blocks for an additional fee of $0.80 per block. A portion of this fee goes to Tri-State Generation & Transmission, SLVREC's power provider. Tri-State uses this money to develop green generation sources or to purchase power generated from renewable resources on the open market. The remaining portion of the fee is retained by SLVREC for the purpose of developing green power projects in the San Luis Valley.

Every block of green power purchased replaces power generated from conventional sources. In other words, your purchase of green power offsets the production of power through coal, natural gas and nuclear sources. Instead, power generated from renewable generation sources--primarily wind--enters the electric grid for consumption. You can read more about Tri-State's green power generation sources and the green power program here. Generation of power through renewable sources will help reduce the production of greenhouse gasses and will help make our environment healthy for generations to come.

It's easy to sign up for green power. Simply complete this form and return it to SLVREC.

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GEO/SLVREC Partner Programs

San Luis Valley REC and the Governor’s Energy Office are partnering to offer you energy-efficient appliance rebates beginning April 19th as part of the Recharge Colorado campaign. For more information on the program and the rebates on which SLVREC will parterner, please contact Dave Mixa, SLVREC's energy services specialist. You can reach Dave by calling customer service.

Colorado residents can tap into the campaign at www.RechargeColorado.com, where they can reserve a rebate on-line. As a supplement to the web site, a call center will also be available at 1-800-462-0184. Please note: The web site and call center will not be operational until 8 a.m. April 19. There will be no information at the web address or call center number prior to that time.
 
The GEO and its local partners expect brisk consumer action, particularly for ENERGY STAR dishwashers, clothes washers and refrigerators. The ENERGY STAR appliances account for about 16,000 of the rebates available. In light of that, it's important for consumers statewide to have realistic expectations and recognize the "sweepstakes" nature of the program.
 
The Recharge Colorado website and call center were developed to help people across the state learn how to make energy savings a simple part of their everyday lives. The new site will offer personalized energy planning tools and a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind database that will pull in energy-related information from around the state. The site will also help consumers find the latest rebates on energy-efficient appliances, insulation and solar power, the simplest ways to weather-proof their homes at the lowest cost and the newest energy innovations and opportunities available where they live. 
 
Recharge Colorado creates a one-stop clearinghouse of information and resources by bringing details about products, rebates, tax breaks and other benefits offered by the Governor's Energy Office, utilities and local governments across Colorado to a single place. The Recharge Colorado campaign is also teaming with the Better Business Bureau to help consumers connect with the many outstanding energy efficiency and renewable energy service providers.

Domestic Solar Hot Water

Did you know water heating accounts for about one fifth of the energy used in the average home? Solar hot water installations significantly reduce energy consumption by using the sun to heat or preheat water for your home.

If you are considering investing in solar technologies, a domestic solar hot water installation may be a cost-effective option.

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Residential Solar Power

In 2008, the National Renewable Energy Lab ranked the San Luis Valley as the best location in Colorado for solar power installations. If you want to install your own renewable energy source, photovoltaic panels may be your best choice.

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