December in Nederland has been cold so far. The average temperature last year in December, according to my Xcel energy bill dashboard, saw an average of 47 F. This year it’s currently 35 F. A big drop. With the drop in temperature, my electricity bill has increased almost 25% from November to December. I imagine that many readers are seeing similar jumps.

According to the US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, reduce energy costs for consumers, and improve the competitiveness of U.S. businesses. Energy efficiency is also a vital component in achieving net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide through decarbonization.”

We all want to pay less for our energy but where do you start? First things first, talk to an expert, get their recommendations and ask questions.

Depending on where you live and who provides the electricity to your home, you can take advantage of a number of great programs. In Boulder County, Energy Smart (energysmartyes.com) is a residential energy efficiency advising program that will connect you with home energy assessments in addition to offering rebates for things like insulation improvements to your home, installing solar panels or upgrading various equipment like a heat pump or electric hot water heater.

This December, the Town of Nederland and Xcel are partnering to offer free home energy squad basic assessments. Go to xehomeenergysquadco.as.me/Nederland and enter the code Nederland22 to sign up. These assessments are typically $50 with a potential saving of over $200 from upgrades potential through the visit. Assessments are limited so please sign up quickly and once you’re signed up, bring proof of your participation to Nederland Town Hall to receive a free string of LED holiday lights.

If you own a business, Boulder County’s Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) program (pacepartners.com) is a great place to start with your energy efficiency efforts. PACE offers countless rebates including updating old equipment or for solar installs on the roof of your business. Rebates are first come, first served and reset at the start of the year.

If United Power supplies your electricity, they offer a number of great energy saving programs including a rebate for smart thermostats as well as new Energy Star products and various heat pumps. With commercial and residential account holders able to participate, the energy and financial saving opportunities are huge. Read more about their offerings here: unitedpower.com/rebates.

In addition to financial benefits, energy efficiency improves the environment by reducing your home and community’s fossil fuel emissions and ultimately slowing the pace of climate change. Other benefits include reducing the demand for energy from your utility provider and reducing the need for additional power plants as well as making the grid more resilient with less overall power demand. Additionally, increasing your energy efficiency reduces the use of fossil fuels in your area and as a result improves air, water and land quality and ultimately increases the health of your community. If you have any questions, please email SAB@NederlandCO.org.