Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association said Monday it will nearly double its budget for energy efficiency and conservation programs.
The Westminster-based utility cooperative will spend up to $3 million this year on programs ranging from rebates on power-saving appliances to funding for commercial-scale heating and cooling pumps.
In 2008, Tri-State spent $1.6 million on the initiatives.
The incentives “will help electric cooperative consumers save money and support the environment through energy efficient products and practices,” said Keith Emerson, coordinator of Tri-State’s energy management program.
Among the household rebates offered are $30 to $40 on the purchase of refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers that carry the “Energy Star” efficiency rating.
Tri-State provides power to 44 utility co-ops serving 593,000 residential and commercial accounts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.
Xcel Energy, which serves about 1.3 million customers in Colorado, has designated $61 million this year for energy efficiency and conservation programs.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
