Last updated: March 29, 2026
As of April 8, 2026, Colorado Front Range (Region 1) HEAR funding is expected to be fully reserved within weeks. UniColorado is not accepting new Front Range HEAR projects. Region 2 (mountain/rural counties) may still have funds — if you serve non-Front Range Colorado, apply now before those reserves deplete. Contact (866) 336-0016.
HEAR program status: LIVE since Nov 2025 • Front Range: Funding Near Exhausted
HOMES program status: LIVE — Both Pathways
| Measure | LMI (<80% AMI) | Moderate (80–150% AMI) | Above 150% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC (air source) | Up to $8,000 | Up to $4,000 | Not eligible |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,750 | Up to $875 | Not eligible |
| Electric Stove / Induction Range | Up to $840 | Up to $420 | Not eligible |
| Electric Dryer | Up to $840 | Up to $420 | Not eligible |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | Up to $4,000 | Up to $2,000 | Not eligible |
| Insulation & Air Sealing | Up to $1,600 | Up to $800 | Not eligible |
| Total household cap | $14,000 | $7,000 | N/A |
| Area | 80% AMI (4-person HH, approx.) | 150% AMI (4-person HH, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Metro (Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Jefferson) | ~$78,000 | ~$146,000 |
| Boulder / Broomfield | ~$88,000 | ~$165,000 |
| Fort Collins / Larimer | ~$76,000 | ~$143,000 |
| Colorado Springs / El Paso | ~$70,000 | ~$131,000 |
| Grand Junction / Mesa | ~$63,000 | ~$118,000 |
| Pueblo | ~$55,000 | ~$103,000 |
Use the Colorado Energy Office's official calculator tool to verify exact AMI thresholds by county before advising clients.
Colorado's HOMES program went live with both the modeled pathway and the measured pathway earlier in 2026 — making it one of the few states to have both active. This is significant.
| Pathway | How It Works | Savings Threshold | Max Rebate (LMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modeled | Software projection of expected energy savings (Ekotrope, REM/Rate, or state-approved tool) | 20%+ projected savings | $8,000 |
| Measured | Actual utility bill comparison — 12 months of pre-installation data vs. 12 months post-installation | 20%+ actual savings measured | $8,000 |
| Savings Level | Market Rate Rebate | LMI Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 20–35% energy savings | Up to $2,000 | Up to $4,000 |
| 35%+ energy savings | Up to $4,000 | Up to $8,000 |
BPI-certified auditors are the primary practitioners for HOMES documentation. If you're BPI-certified, this is your program — and Colorado is one of the better states to be working in right now.
Colorado has strong utility rebate programs through Xcel Energy (the dominant utility for the Front Range) and Black Hills Energy. These stack with federal programs.
| Program | Measure | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| HEAR (Live — Nov 2025) | Heat pump HVAC (LMI) | Up to $8,000 |
| HEAR (Live — Nov 2025) | Heat pump water heater (LMI) | Up to $1,750 |
| Xcel Energy rebate | Heat pump HVAC (Efficiency Smart) | $500–$1,200 |
| Xcel Energy rebate | Heat pump water heater | $300–$500 |
| 25C Federal Tax Credit | Heat pump HVAC | Up to $2,000 |
| 25C Federal Tax Credit | Heat pump water heater + panel | Up to $1,200 |
| Combined potential (LMI household, HVAC + HPWH) | ~$14,650 | |
Xcel rebates and HEAR rebates are administered separately but are stackable. Verify current Xcel rebate amounts at xcelenergy.com — they update quarterly.
The Colorado HEAR program is moving fast — Front Range funding nearly depleted in just months. Rules change, funding depletes, and new regional programs open. The IRA Practitioner Brief covers Colorado and all 50 states every week.