We’ve told you how the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) last year made available $9.7 billion to rural electric cooperatives, the elected boards that manage the energy needs and future of more than 1.5 million Coloradans, to help cover the costs of new, clean energy infrastructure and to create a more sustainable and cost-effective local energy production model.

But this money must be applied for with a Letter of Intent for the New ERA program by September 15. If you haven’t already urged your co-op to take advantage of this money, now is your last chance!

Applying is easy, but New ERA applications are due by September 15, and PACE applications, which offer $1 billion in forgivable loans for battery storage, are due shortly thereafter on September 29. 

We have it on good authority that letters have been submitted by the Delta-Montrose Electric Association, San Miguel Power Association, and Grand Valley Power. But it doesn’t hurt to follow up with co-op board members and double-check! As member-owners of our rural electric co-ops, we must insist our co-ops access this historic funding opportunity, and request they submit an application!

You can find contact information for each Rural Electric Cooperative’s board members in the links above, and further information (including how to apply for funding!) can be found for both New ERA and PACE.

Please act now! This is a critical moment in our efforts to create a clean energy future for Western Colorado!