Private: Alpine Bank supports Cen$ible Energy rebates through 2019

JUNE 8, 2016 BY SUZIE ROMIG

The popular local energy efficiency rebate program Cen$ible Energy has received a four-year financial commitment from Alpine Bank in Steamboat Springs to help the residential and small business energy retrofit efforts continue through 2019.

The bank’s Environmental Loyalty Debit Card program will contribute up to $35,000 to Cen$ible Energy across four years to help meet the strong energy efficiency rebate demands by members of Yampa Valley Electric Association (YVEA).

“This fits really well with our environmental mission at Alpine Bank. The Environmental Loyalty program has been in existence since 2005, and our environmental debit card is a popular choice locally,” noted Adonna Allen, president at Alpine Bank Steamboat for nine years. “When a customer uses that card during the normal course of business, Alpine Bank donates 10 cents per transaction into our environmental loyalty fund.”

Through the debit card program, Alpine Bank Steamboat has donated almost $34,000 to environmental nonprofit organizations in Routt County such as Yampatika, Yampa Valley Sustainability Council and Community Agricultural Alliance.

Allen said the local branch is undertaking its own energy efficiency upgrade of its heating system, as all Alpine Bank locations are required to meet standards of environmental responsibility in water and energy use as well as choices of cleaning supplies.

Cen$ible Energy (www.CensibleEnergy.org) provides rebates to YVEA members for LED lights, EnergyStar appliances, programmable thermostats, half the cost of residential energy audits, and air sealing after an audit. After the program kicked off in April 2015, YVEA customers received 284 rebates totaling $22,000 last year. Already in 2016, customers have received 257 rebates for $20,800.

In addition to assisting with lower utility bills, the program serves as economic stimulus to area vendors providing energy efficiency products and services. In 2015, more than $71,000 was spent at local vendors. Already in 2016, $68,200 has been spent with local vendors.

YVEA and the City of Steamboat Springs are other key financial contributors to the efficiency incentive program as 72 percent of rebates processed last year were submitted by Steamboat Springs residents. Of the remaining rebates last year, Craig residents requested 16 percent, and YVEA customers throughout Routt County requested 12 percent.

Yampa Valley Sustainability Council administers the Cen$ible Energy program through processing of rebates, education and outreach. The YVSC Energy Program receives generous support from the Jeff & Alissa Merage Foundation of Steamboat. Some financial support for Cen$ible Energy comes from Routt County.

“This is a prime example of a public, private, nonprofit and electric co-operative coalition for the betterment of the community, and we’re honored to be one member of the team,” Allen said.

Additional local energy efficiency rebates are available for Atmos Energy customers for measures such as furnace maintenance, conversations to high-efficiency furnaces, and attic and crawlspace insulation via www.ExcessIsOut.com.