Denver Regional Council of Governments announces the launch of Power Ahead Colorado, an ambitious program to improve air quality and community health throughout the Denver metro area.

Funded by a nearly $200 million federal grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Power Ahead Colorado will reduce the environmental impact of the region’s building sector, the largest contributor to Denver metro area’s pollution emissions.

Over the next four years, Power Ahead Colorado will connect residents, businesses and property owners with energy advising, financial incentives and verified contractors to support energy efficiency and electrification upgrades at scale. The program will also support industry and workforce development, $6 million in community innovation grants and zero-emissions building policy implementation.

“Power Ahead Colorado has the potential to transform the building sector,” said Robert Spotts, Power Ahead Colorado Program Manager. “By tackling the challenge from many angles, and by demystifying heat pumps and their benefits, we can improve indoor comfort, outdoor air quality and health outcomes for everyone in the Denver Metro Region.”

Through focused investment on the region’s low-income residents, Power Ahead Colorado will ensure those most vulnerable to extreme weather events and high energy burdens, and for whom indoor air quality and comfort are essential, will benefit from the program.

Power Ahead Colorado also includes the Colorado Contractor Hub, a one-stop-shop for contractors to connect with customers, access resources, and grow their electrification business.

“By making it easy for contractors to install heat pumps and for workers to build new skills, we’re growing the region’s economy and enabling our climate goals,” said Shawn LeMons, Industry Engagement Lead at Zero Homes. DRCOG is working closely with partners at the Colorado Energy Office, Xcel Energy, Rewiring America, Collective Clean Energy Fund, its local government partners and others to achieve the program goals.

Learn more about the program at PowerAheadColorado.org.