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Best Smart-Home Tech on a Budget

Person sitting on a couch, holding a smartphone displaying a timer set at 10 seconds.

Q: How can smart-home technology help me lower my power bill? A: Smart technology can make it easier to save energy by simplifying or automating tasks. It can also optimize energy use to reduce waste and improve efficiency. When upgrading to smart technology at home, consider the purchase cost as well as long-term savings. For […]

Celebrating Cooperative Month All Year

A group of people, including two children, stand in front of a food truck with the text "San Isabel Electric" displayed. They are holding food items and smiling at the camera.

October’s traditions of football, leaf peeping, Halloween, and all things pumpkin spice include the annual celebration of Cooperative Month — a month dedicated to recognizing the vital service that cooperative businesses deliver to local economies and communities across the United States. The designated month is an opportunity for co-ops to educate their members on the […]

Chimney Maintenance

A person in protective gear inspects the inside of a wood-burning stove, holding a flashlight to illuminate the area.

Q: I plan to use my fireplace more to lower my utility bills. I see some deteriorated spots on the outside of the chimney, and it has not been cleaned recently. What type of maintenance items can I do myself? A: Before doing any chimney maintenance yourself, have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean […]

Federal Tax credits, Incentives, and Rebates for Efficiency Upgrades

An attic with wooden beams and walls lined with pink fiberglass insulation, next to a closed white door.

Q: How do I use federal tax credits and rebates to upgrade my home? A: Tax credits and rebates can help bridge the affordability gap to higher-efficiency equipment for your home, allowing you to complete energy efficiency upgrades that can lower your energy use and save you money in years to come. First, knowing the […]

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges

A white utility truck with an extended crane arm is parked on gravel, surrounded by electrical equipment under a partly cloudy sky.

We’ve all had firsthand experiences with supply chain issues in recent years. So much so that the supply chain has become a convenient scapegoat anytime a business falls short of our expectations. But when it comes to your local electric cooperative, supply chain challenges are very real and often troubling. Parts and components electric co-ops […]

Types of Heat Pumps

Wall-mounted white air conditioning unit with control panel, situated next to a wooden cabinet.

Q: My heating system is more than 10 years old, and I want to switch to a heat pump. Can you help me choose the best option for my home? A: Heat pumps have been around for decades, and in that time, the technology has come a long way. In my opinion, they could use […]

Electrified Agricultural Equipment

Long row of wheel-mounted irrigation pivots sit idle on a barren field against a blue sky.

The electrification trend in agricultural equipment has gained momentum in recent years as farmers increasingly embrace electric vehicles and machinery. This shift offers numerous advantages, including reduced carbon emissions, lower operating costs, improved energy efficiency, and quieter operation. Smaller electric equipment, such as irrigation systems and utility vehicles, are becoming increasingly popular. Many farmers are […]

Peak Power

A man in a blue shirt adjusts a thermostat on a wall in a brightly lit living room with a grandfather clock in the background.

What peak demand and beating the peak mean for co-ops and their members By Kim Graber When we turn on a light switch in Colorado, we expect that the lights will come on. We don’t worry about whether we’re also running the dishwasher, or if we already have lights on elsewhere in the house. We […]

Signs your HVAC is in Trouble

Man in a green shirt trimming plants near a large outdoor unit on a sunny day.

Q: How do I know if my HVAC system is malfunctioning? A: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is one of the most important and expensive systems in your home. Detecting issues early can help you plan for repairs or equipment replacement. Equipment functionality issues can affect your electricity use, which may result in […]

Leading the Way

A woman gives a presentation to a group of children seated on the floor in front of informational banners.

Electric co-ops help develop the leaders of tomorrow The benefits of co-op membership flow to members of all ages, and for the youth of Colorado’s electric cooperatives, those benefits include exclusive leadership and educational opportunities. Remaining true to the cooperative principle of Concern for Community, the state’s local electric co-ops deliver on their commitment to […]