Home Electrification

1. Climate Impact: Fight Climate Change
By switching to electric systems powered by renewable energy, you help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Traditional fossil fuels release carbon dioxide and other pollutants when burned, which trap heat in the atmosphere. Electrification allows us to tap into cleaner energy sources like wind and solar, dramatically shrinking your home or business’s carbon footprint. This means cleaner air for everyone and a healthier planet for future generations.

2. Indoor Air Quality: Breathe Easier at Home
Gas-powered appliances release indoor air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can be harmful to your health. These invisible pollutants increase the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and even more serious illnesses. Electric systems eliminate these harmful emissions entirely, creating a safer and more comfortable environment inside your home. Improved air quality is especially important for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

3. Home Comfort: Efficient and Reliable Heating & Cooling
Electric technologies like heat pumps provide year-round comfort by efficiently heating your home in winter and cooling it in summer. Unlike traditional systems that can create hot and cold spots, heat pumps deliver consistent temperatures throughout your living space. Plus, modern electric systems often come with smart controls, allowing you to customize settings and save energy without sacrificing comfort. Over time, this can lead to stabilized energy bills and a more enjoyable living environment.

4. Energy Savings: Save Money in the Long Run
While electric systems might sometimes have a higher upfront cost, they are generally more energy-efficient and have lower operating costs compared to fossil fuel systems. As Fort Collins’ electricity grid becomes greener and more affordable, your electric appliances will get cleaner and cheaper to run, meaning ongoing savings for your household or business.

5. Safety: Reduce Risks at Home
Electric systems reduce risks associated with gas leaks, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Eliminating combustion inside your home increases safety and peace of mind for you and your family.

6. Future-Proof Your Home
As regulations tighten and our community moves toward cleaner energy, homes and businesses that are fully electric will be better positioned for the future. Electrification may help you avoid costly upgrades later on.

Start Your Electrification Journey with Free Energy Advising

Before buying new equipment, sign up for free energy advising through the Epic Homes Program, in partnership with Efficiency Works. Our advisors offer personalized recommendations to help you choose the best equipment and navigate local rebates—saving you money and maximizing your upgrades.

No obligation to make any improvements after your advising session.

Sign up for free advising 

Six Key Energy-Efficient Steps to Guide Your Electrification Journey

Rebates are available through Efficiency Works!

Local Resources

• Free energy advising through Efficiency Works
• Rebates through Efficiency Works
• Epic Homes Loans for on-bill financing
• Solar and Battery incentives

State Resources

• Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credits
• Colorado Climate Focused Tax Incentives

Federal Resources

• Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
• Residential Clean Energy Credit

Savings Calculators

• Rewiring America Energy Upgrade Savings Calculator
• RMI Green Upgrade Calculator

Other Resources

• Rewiring America's Personal Electrification Planner
• Rebates, Programs, and Products at Efficiency Works
• Love Electric
• General Information on Heat Pumps
• How Does a Heat Pump Work?
• Heat Pump Performance in Colorado

Electrical Panel vs. Service Upgrades

Your electrical panel and service line are both vital parts of your home’s electrical system—but they serve different roles. Here’s what you need to know:

Electrical Panel Upgrade

Replacing your existing breaker or fuse box with a newer panel to:

• Increase capacity: Support more appliances and devices
• Improve safety: Replace outdated or faulty equipment
• Enhance reliability: Handle modern electrical demands smoothly

Service Upgrade

Upgrading the electrical service increases the total power coming into your home. This can involve:

• Transformer
• Service entry cables
• Meter
• Main breaker
• Panel

Key Differences

When Both Are Needed

Sometimes, you’ll need both upgrades to modernize your system—ensuring:

• Enough power capacity
• Improved safety
• Compliance with current standards
• Support for future energy needs and electrification

How to Prepare Your Electrical System

Electrification projects often increase electricity demand. Follow these steps to get ready:

Step 1: Get an Energy Assessment

Fort Collins Utilities partners with Efficiency Works Homes to offer energy assessments between $0 to $60.

An expert will:

• Identify priority upgrades using building science best practices
• Pinpoint areas for performance improvements through diagnostic testing. 
• Recommend improvements and connect you to qualified providers

Step 2: Consult an HVAC Professional

An HVAC expert will perform a Manual J Load Calculation to determine the appropriate heat pump size and recommend suitable equipment. Key considerations include:

• Whether your home’s insulation and air sealing can eliminate the need for backup heat.
• The size and performance of ducts, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings.
• If electric backup heat is preferred over gas, consult an electrician to ensure your system supports it.
• Note: Use a participating provider to qualify for local rebates.
  Find providers

Step 3: Consult a Licensed Electrician

Your electrician will:

• Evaluate if your panel can handle the new load
• Advise if upgrades are needed

Step 4: Permitting an Upgrade

If a service upgrade is required:

• Email electricprojectengineering@fortcollins.gov to review your service line
• Submit an Electrical Permit Application
• Utilities Electric Project Engineers will then provide upgrade cost estimates

What to Know About Service Upgrades

• Costs vary widely, even within the same neighborhood
• Upgrading service lines may require transformer upgrades
• Electrician bids usually do not include the costs associated with service upgrades performed by Fort Collins Utilities

Contact electricprojectengineering@fortcollins.gov if your electrician recommends a service upgrade, and share their recommended service size

• Call Xcel Energy customer service at 1-800-895-4999.
• Ask for a specialist.
• Tell them you would like your Natural Gas Service meter removed.
• IMPORTANT: Tell them you are not requesting a Natural Gas Service Demolition (this will incur a charge).

Meter removal: only removes the meter, the supply pipe remains.

Demolition: the gas supply pipe is removed and capped.