Frequently Asked Questions

You can find a user guide for this portal here. The user guide walks you through how to register and how to submit applications. 
  • ​To receive an instant rebate through the Denver Climate Action Rebate Program (CARe), equipment must be installed at an address located within the City and County of Denver.
  • Resident at the installation address must be an Xcel Energy customer.
  • Resident at the installation address must provide contractor with a copy/photo of a recent Xcel Energy utility bill.
  • Resident at the installation address must complete the Consent to Disclose Utility Customer Data Form and provide it to contractor completing the work. This will allow the City & County of Denver to calculate any emissions reduction at the installation address as a result of the new equipment installed using rebate funds.
  • Only single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings (duplexes), and townhome are eligible for this offering. 
  • Existing commercial builidings, multi-family apartment buildings, and multi-family condominium buildings are eligible for Denver's Building Electrification Program Rebates. For more information visit www.denvergov.org/buildingelectrificationrebates or reach out to DenverElectrification@MichaelsEnergy.com. For more information relevant to commercial and multifamily buildings visit the Energize Denver Hub.
  •  For EV Charger, Rooftop Solar, and Battery Storage Rebates (available for multifamily apartments and condos):
    • Households with "Residential" electrical service from Xcel Energy.
    • EV charger, solar or battery storage equipment must be connected to the eligible residential meter.
    • To qualify for the rooftop solar rebate, resident must own their roof or have approval to install solar panels on their roof.
    • Please download your latest Xcel Statement to confirm you are a residential customer (please contact Xcel to get your most recent statement).
  • If you have questions about if your individual dwelling unit is considered a condominium or a townhome, please contact Denver’s Community Planning and Development at archstruc.review@denvergov.org.
  • Only existing construction is eligible, not new construction. New construction is defined as new buildings constructed on a vacant lot or following the demolition of an existing structure. For new construction projects please visit the Net Zero New Buildings and Homes Page.
  • Only applications for work completed  on or after January 1, 2023, will be accepted.
  • Only registered contractors can submit applications to the CARe program on behalf of the Denver resident at the installation address.
  • The program reserves the right to conduct field inspections to verify information about equipment installation. The program reserves the right to conduct field inspections before rebate payment to verify purchase and, where necessary, installation of eligible equipment. Inspections will be scheduled in advance with the rebate applicant and residential customer. Applicant shall repay the full amount of the rebate in the event that the City and County of Denver or its consultant determines that at any time (a) the equipment was never installed at the address identified in this application, (b) the rebate was procured through intentionally misrepresented facts, or (3) the rebate was fraudulently obtained.
The CARe program is designed to provide Denver residents with instant rebates on eligible equipment and installation costs at the time of project payment. Contractors can register a project bid or “draft’ rebate application on the resident’s behalf before a contract has been signed with the resident to verify funding is available. After a contract has been signed with a resident, contractors can submit a rebate application for a project for review by program staff. Once the project has been approved, rebate funds for the project will be reserved. Contractors will then have a set period of time to complete the project. Once the project has been completed, the contractor will complete and submit the final rebate application and will be reimbursed upon application approval. Additional product specific qualifications and rebate levels are found below.
  • Heat Pump Space Heater: Product must have an AHRI Reference Number
  • Equipment must meet Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) requirements OR Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2), and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2) requirements. Homeowners, please consult with an Xcel Certified Contractor to find out which model is a good fit for your home.​​​​​
​​​​Program performance is monitored on an ongoing basis, and rebate amounts and requirements may be adjusted as needed. Advance notice of any changes will be provided at least 60 days prior to any changes taking effect.
​
  • Efficiency Minimums:
(15.0 SEER, 11.5 EER, 9.0 HSPF)*
OR equivalent SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 performance
(14.3 SEER2, 11.0 EER2, 7.7 HSPF2)
  • Efficiency Minimums as of September 1st, 2023
(15.2 SEER2, 11.7 EER2, 7.8 HSPF2)
 
  • Rebate MAX - $1,500
  • Rebates cannot exceed 40% of the total cost.
  • Quality Install Required
  • We recommend that you submit product specifications and either the AHRI or NEEP Certificate, with the Pre-application contract. We will review those documents and let you know if the equipment doesn't meet the requirements listed above. 
*With the rollout of the new SEER2 standard we will be accepting SEER rated equipment for a limited amount of time in 2023 and will communicate updates and changes.
 
  • Efficiency Minimums:
(16 SEER, 10.5 EER, 9.5 HSPF)*
OR equivalent SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 performance
(15.2 SEER2, 10.0 EER2, 8.1 HSPF2)
AND  
Must be listed on ashp.neep.org
Must have a COP at 5F > 1.75 
Must have a minimum 70%, ratio of Capacity at 5F / Capacity at 47F
  • Rebate MAX - $3,500
  • Rebates cannot exceed 40% of the total cost.
  • Quality Install Required
  • We recommend that you submit product specifications and either the AHRI or NEEP Certificate, with the Pre-application contract. We will review those documents and let you know if the equipment doesn't meet the requirements listed above. 
*With the rollout of the new SEER2 standard we will be accepting SEER rated equipment for a limited amount of time in 2023 and will communicate updates and changes.
  • Efficiency Minimums:
16 EER
  • Rebate MAX of $3,500
  • Rebates cannot exceed 80% of the total cost.
  • We recommend that you submit product specifications and either the AHRI or NEEP Certificate, with the Pre-application contract. We will review those documents and let you know if the equipment doesn't meet the requirements listed above. 
Product must have an AHRI Reference Number. Please consult with an Xcel Registered Trade Partner to find out which model is a good fit for your home.
  • Efficiency Minimums:
(15.0 SEER, 11.0 EER, 9.0 HSPF)*
OR equivalent SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 performance
(15.0 SEER2, 11.0 EER2, 8.1 HSPF2)
  • Efficiency Minimums as of September 1st, 2023
(15.0 SEER, 11.5 EER, 9.0 HSPF)*
OR SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 performance
(15.2 SEER2, 11.5 EER2, 7.8 HSPF2)
  • Rebate MAX - $1,500
  • Rebates cannot exceed 40% of the total cost.
  • We recommend that you submit product specifications and either the AHRI or NEEP Certificate, with the Pre-application contract. We will review those documents and let you know if the equipment doesn't meet the requirements listed above. 
Note: Mini-Split Heat Pump rebates are available from any Xcel Energy registered Trade Partner, not just those on the customer-facing list. The list is updated monthly with trade partners who have actually gotten a customer a MSHP rebate. Contractors participating in Heat Pump Water Heater, Air-Source Heat Pump and other programs have additional requirements. Visit Xcel Energy's Residential Trade Partner Resource Center for more information. (https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/partner-resources/trade/residential-trade-partners)
 
*With the rollout of the new SEER2 standard we will be accepting SEER rated equipment for a limited amount of time in 2023 and will communicate updates and changes.
  • Efficiency Minimums:
16.0 SEER, 9.0 EER, 10.6 HSPF*
OR equivalent SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 performance
16.0 SEER2, 9.0 EER2, 9.5 HSPF2
AND
Must be listed on ashp.neep.org
Must have a COP at 5F > 1.75
Must have a minimum 70%, ratio of Capacity at 5F / Capacity at 47F
  • Rebate MAX - $3,500
  • Rebates cannot exceed 40% of the total cost.
  • We recommend that you submit product specifications and either the AHRI or NEEP Certificate, with the Pre-application contract. We will review those documents and let you know if the equipment doesn't meet the requirements listed above. 
*With the rollout of the new SEER2 standard we will be accepting SEER rated equipment for a limited amount of time in 2023 and will communicate updates and changes.
Product must be a High Efficiency or Smart/Connected Heat Pump Water Heater listed on Xcel’s approved product list. Please consult with an Xcel Certified Contractor to find out which model is a good fit for your home.
  • High Efficiency Heat Pump Water Heater
    • Rebate MAX - $1,000
    • Rebates cannot exceed 60% of the total cost.
  • Smart/Connected Heat Pumper Water Heater: Equipment must be eligible for Xcel’s Smart Water Heater Program. Rebates cannot exceed 60% of total cost.
    • Rebate MAX - $1,750
    • Rebates cannot exceed 60% of the total cost.
  • We recommend that you submit product specifications and either the AHRI or NEEP Certificate, with the Pre-application contract. We will review those documents and let you know if the equipment doesn't meet the requirements listed above. ​​​​​​​
Home must have a properly installed and functioning heat pump space heater (HPSH) OR heat pump water heater (HPWH) OR vehicle-to-building electric vehicle (V2B EV) charger (note that having a standard Level 2 EV charging station installed does not qualify a resident for this solar rebate). Roof must be in good condition and not need to be replaced within 15 years. Roof should be relatively free from shading or other obstructions and a viable electrical panel must be present.  
  • $1.00 per watt-DC up to $4,000
  • Rebates cannot exceed 80% of the total cost.
  • Rebate is available only to residents who have signed contracts with solar installers on or after April 22, 2022.
Multifamily Homes also qualify if:
  • Households have "Residential" electrical services from Xcel Energy
  • Equipment must be connected to the eligible residential meter
  • Resident must own their roof or have approval to install solar panels on the roof
  • Must download the latest Xcel statement to confirm they are a residential customer (have homeowner contact Xcel to receive their most recent billing statement)
To receive the full rebate value for a battery storage project the home must have a properly installed and functioning heat pump space heater (HPSH) OR heat pump water heater (HPWH) OR vehicle-to-building electric vehicle (V2B EV) charger (note that having a standard Level 2 EV charging station installed does not qualify a resident for the full battery storage rebate). A discounted rebate is available if the home does not have any of the above equipment installed/functioning.
  • If home has HPSH, HPWH, or V2B EV:
    • Rebate MAX - $2,750
    • Rebates cannot exceed 80% of the total cost.
  • All other homes:
    • Rebate MAX - $500
    • Rebates cannot exceed 80% of the total cost.
Multifamily homes also qualify if:
  • Households have "Residential" electrical services from Xcel Energy
  • Equipment must be connected to the eligible residential meter
  • Must download the latest Xcel statement to confirm they are a residential customer (have homeowner contact Xcel to receive their most recent billing statement)
The CARe program offers two different EV Charging Rebates: A Level 2 EV Charging Home Wiring rebate and a Vehicle to Building (Bi-Directional) EV Charger rebate.
  • Level 2 Home Wiring EV Charger – The charger installed must be a Level 2 ENERGY STAR Certified Electric Vehicle Charger, a Tesla Home Charger, or a Ford Charge Station Pro. A licensed electrician must perform the home wiring work.
    • A picture of the EV Charger and the manufacture's specification sheet must be included in an application.  
    • Rebate MAX - $1,000 for permitting, materials, installation, and electrical costs.
    • Rebates cannot exceed 80% of the total cost.
  • Vehicle to Building (Bi-Directional) EV Charger – Charger must be able to charge an electric car battery from the power grid and also be able to send stored power from the car battery back to the grid. A licensed electrician must perform any required home wiring work.
    • Rebate MAX - $2,000 for equipment, permitting, materials, installation, and electrical costs.
    • Rebates cannot exceed 80% of the total cost.
Multifamily homes also qualify if:
  • Households have "Residential" electrical services from Xcel Energy
  • Equipment must be connected to the eligible residential meter
  • Must download the latest Xcel statement to confirm they are a residential customer (have homeowner contact Xcel to receive their most recent billing statement)
If you’re applying for a rebate, your home electrical panel may need an upgrade to support the extra electrical load. This add-on rebate helps cover the cost of an electrical upgrade, including a new panel, associated wiring, or a new circuit required to install new equipment. To receive an Electric Service Upgrade rebate, you must also be eligible to participate in and apply for another offering through the CARe program (HPSH, HPWH, Mini-Split, EV Charging, Solar, and/or Storage).
  • Rebate MAX - $2,000.
  • Rebates cannot exceed 80% of the total cost.
For each discrete residential address as determined by Xcel Energy residential account number, one rebate application form may be submitted per category of eligible equipment. Installation of eligible equipment and rebate application submission must be completed by an approved participating contractor. 
Each product available for a rebate has different requirements around what type of contractor can complete the work and submit a rebate application. Please make sure to check with your contractor to see if they qualify before work is completed to ensure you receive an Instant Rebate. See below for contractor eligibility requirements broken out by product type.
  • Heat Pump Space Heater: Eligible contractors must be an Xcel Registered Trade Partner. The list of Xcel Trade Partners can be found here. Please select the “Heating and Cooling” category and select the “Heat Pumps” or “Air Conditioners” drop down to view the entire list.
  • Heat Pump Water Heater: Eligible contractors must be an Xcel Registered Trade Partner. The list of Xcel Trade Partners can be found here. Please select the “Water Heating” category and select the “Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters” or “Air Conditioners” drop down to view the entire list.
  • Mini-Split Heat Pumps: Eligible contractors must be an Xcel Registered Trade Partner. Registered Xcel Trade Partners will have a 6-digit Xcel Energy ID that they will have to provide when submitting their application.
  • Solar: Eligible contractors must be a licensed electrician.
  • Battery Storage: Eligible contractors must be a licensed electrician.
  • EV Charging: Eligible contractors must be a licensed electrician.
  • Electric Service Upgrade: Eligible contractors must be a licensed electrician.
Increased rebates are available to Denver residents who meet certain income level qualifications. If you are interested in learning more about how to qualify/take advantage of these rebates, please reach out to Energy Resource Center at (720) 236-1321 or info@erc-co.org. Please make sure to reference the Climate Action Rebate program. Ellas hablan Español.
Each product available for a rebate has different requirements around what type of contractor can complete the work and submit a rebate application. See below for contractor eligibility requirements broken out by product type.
  • Heat Pump – Heating and Cooling: Eligible contractors must be an Xcel Registered Trade Partner. The list of Xcel Trade Partners can be found here. Please select the “Heating and Cooling” category and select the “Heat Pumps” or “Air Conditioners” drop down to view the entire list. Applications submitted by non-Xcel certified contractors will be rejected.
  • Heat Pump Water Heater: Eligible contractors must be an Xcel Registered Trade Partner. The list of Xcel Trade Partners can be found here. Please select the “Water Heating” category and select the “Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters” or “Air Conditioners” drop down to view the entire list. Applications submitted by non-Xcel certified contractors will be rejected.
  • Mini-Split Heat Pumps: Eligible contractors must be an Xcel Registered Trade Partner. Registered will have a 6-digit Xcel Energy ID that they will have to provide when submitting their application. Applications submitted by a non-Xcel registered trade partner will be rejected. Note: Mini-Split Heat Pump are a part of of Xcel Energy's Open Rebate Program for Registered Trade Partners. Contractors participating in Heat Pump Water Heater, Air-Source Heat Pump and other programs have additional requirements. Visit Xcel Energy's Residential Trade Partner Resource Center for more information. (https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/partner-resources/trade/residential-trade-partners)
  • Solar: Eligible contractors must be a licensed electrician. Applications submitted by a non-licensed electrician will be rejected.
  • Battery Storage: Eligible contractors must be a licensed electrician. Applications submitted by a non-licensed electrician will be rejected.
  • EV Charging: Eligible contractors must be a licensed electrician. Applications submitted by a non-licensed electrician will be rejected.
  • Electric Service Upgrade: Eligible contractors must be a licensed electrician. Applications submitted by a non-licensed electrician will be rejected.
For a Denver Climate Action Rebate Program (CARe) application to be approved, equipment must be installed at an address located within the City and County of Denver. Additionally, the contractor must confirm/collect the following:
  • Resident at the installation address must be an Xcel Energy customer.
  • Resident at the installation address must provide contractor a copy/photo of their Xcel Energy utility bill.
  • Only single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings (duplexes), and townhome are eligible for this offering.
  • Only existing construction is eligible, not new construction*. 
*New construction is defined as new buildings constructed on a vacant lot or following the demolition of an existing structure.
For EV Charger, Rooftop Solar, and Battery Storage Rebates:
  • Households with "Residential" electrical service from Xcel Energy.
  • EV charger, solar or battery storage equipment must be connected to the eligible residential meter.
  • To qualify for the rooftop solar rebate, resident must own their roof or have approval to install solar panels on their roof.
  • Please download your latest Xcel Statement to confirm customer is a residential customer (please have customer contact Xcel to get their most recent billing statement).
If you have questions about if your individual dwelling unit is considered a condominium or a townhome, please contact Denver’s Community Planning and Development at archstruc.review@denvergov.org.
To register as a Residential Trade Partner with Xcel, please visit Xcel’s webpage here: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/partner-resources/trade/residential-trade-partners

For instruction on utilizing Xcel’s residential rebate program please reference this video: www.brainshark.com/xcel/OAtraining

To be added to Xcel’s list of centrally ducted heat pump and air conditioner trade partners, the HP-AC class is required: https://www.brainshark.com/xcel/2022HP-AC.

To be added to Xcel’s list of heat pump water heater trade partners, the HPWH class is required: https://www.brainshark.com/xcel/HPWHclass

If you need rebate-related assistance from Xcel, please contact the energy experts team: ee-team@xcelenergy.com or 800-824-1688
For an application to be considered for approval the following supporting documentation must be submitted.
 
Pre-Approval: The following two documents are required to be submitted for pre-approval.  
  • Signed Contract: Signed contract between contractor and resident to install the electrification equipment. The contract must include a line item for CARe rebate. 
  • Xcel Utility Bill: Resident at the installation address must provide contractor a copy/photo of their Xcel Energy utility bill.
Request for Payment: The following two documents are required to be submitted when requesting payment.
  • Consent to Disclose Utility Customer Data Form: Resident at the installation address must complete the Consent to Disclose Utility Customer Data Form and provide it to contractor completing the work. This will allow the City & County of Denver to calculate any emissions reduction at the installation address as a result of the new equipment installed using rebate funds.
  • Invoice of Work Performed: Final invoice detailing the work performed including a cost breakdown by product. Invoice must also include a line item for CARe rebate.
  • Photos of the completed project: Contractor must submit a photo of the product installed on-site. For all Heat Pump (HPSH, HPWH and MSHP) a photo of the model or serial number on the installed equipment must also be included.
  • Specification Sheet of the product installed: Contractor must include a copy of specification sheet of the installed equipment. Other acceptable examples of this may include AHRI certificate, NEEP Specs and owner’s manuals.
  • Permit: Contractor must submit a copy of the issued applicable permit for the project.
Rebates will be paid by either a mailed check or via direct deposit ACH. Contractors will receive payment via check 3-4 weeks after application is approved. Contractors will receive payment via ACH direct deposit 2-3 weeks after application is approved.
Once a rebate application is submitted contractors will be able to track the status of it in real time on the My Applications section of this portal. The status of all submitted applications will appear on the home page after the contractor logs in to their account. When a rebate application is paid the contractor will receive and email with payment details.
 
The program reserves the right to conduct field inspections to verify information about equipment installation. The program reserves the right to conduct field inspections before rebate payment to verify purchase and, where necessary, installation of eligible equipment. Inspections will be scheduled in advance with the rebate applicant and residential customer. Applicant shall repay the full amount of the rebate in the event that the City and County of Denver or its consultant determines that at any time (a) the equipment was never installed at the address identified in this application, (b) the rebate was procured through intentionally misrepresented facts, or (3) the rebate was fraudulently obtained.
​​​​​​Interested in becoming an Xcel Registered Trade Partner? Please visit Register as an Xcel Energy Trade Partner or contact ee-team@xcelenergy.com or call 1-800-895-4999 to learn more.
Qualification for Denver Home Energy Income Qualified Rebate Program Contractor
Requirements:
  • Must meet all requirements of the market-rate rebate program.
  • Appropriate licensure and/or a record of working with appropriately licensed subcontractors and completing Home Energy Projects successfully and on-budget.
  • Licensed and Operating in City and County of Denver for at least 1 year.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Have 2+ years’ experience installing or managing installations of home energy or home efficiency projects (e.g.: Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Insulation, Air Sealing, etc.). Experience with Heat Pump technology is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with High Performance Home Construction, Deep Energy Retrofits or Whole Home Electrification Projects strongly preferred.
  • Have 1+ years’ experience providing home energy services or programs specifically to Income Qualified or Vulnerable customers.
  • Have 1+ years’ experience serving customers and completing projects in City and County of Denver.
  • Participant, implementer or subcontractor for Weatherization Assistance Program, Emergency Utility assistance programs, emergency furnace repair programs, other state, federal or independently administered energy efficiency or energy assistance programs
  • Current Xcel Energy Trade Partner Registration or existing relationships with registered subcontractors
  • Ability to provide high efficiency and high-performance home retrofits at best-cost
  • Ability to provide accurate modelling of home energy use and utility bill estimates based on project scope.
Additional Information:
  • Briefly describe how your approach to working with Income Qualified customers will differ from working with Market-Rate Rebate customers (process, customer service and communications, pricing, etc.).
  • Briefly describe your interest in participating in Denver’s Income Qualified Home Energy program as an implementer.
  • Briefly describe your experience completing Home Energy Projects.
  • Briefly describe your experience working with Income Qualified Customer programs or other similar programs.
Process
Submit a letter of interest via email or portal to APTIM and the Denver Home Energy Rebate team. Please include qualifications and responses to the items above,
The Denver Home Energy Rebate Team will follow up with any questions and, if qualified, the program team will set up a short informational interview.
Interested parties must meet the requirements listed above and will be evaluated based on the preferred qualifications listed, additional responses and information provided during the follow up interview.
 
If a contractor has questions about the eligibility of a measure, please reach out contact the program via email or phone prior to completing the project to avoid a potential rejection. Contact information can be found below. If for some reason a rebate is rejected/requires additional information the submitting contractor will also receive an email with the necessary next steps outlined.
 
For general program inquiries please contact climateactionrebates@denvergov.org
For rebate/status and payment inquiries please contact denverrebate@aptim.com
You only still qualify for EV Charger, Rooftop Solar, and Battery Storage Rebates:
  • Households with "Residential" electrical service from Xcel Energy qualify.
  • EV charger, solar or battery storage equipment must be connected to the eligible residential meter.
  • To qualify for the rooftop solar rebate, resident must own their roof or have approval to install solar panels on their roof.
  • Please download your latest Xcel Statement to confirm you are a residential customer (please contact Xcel to get your most recent billing statement).
Existing commercial buildings, multifamily apartment buildings, and multifamily condominium buildings are eligible for Denver’s Building Electrification Program Rebates. New construction is not eligible. 
 
If you have questions about if your individual dwelling unit is considered a condominium or a townhome, please contact Denver’s Community Planning and Development at archstruc.review@denvergov.org.