Since its introduction in 2021, the Denver CARe Program has made it easier and more affordable for Denver homeowners to upgrade to energy-efficient systems. This program has brought thousands of homes new, carbon-emissions reducing appliances, and it is now on the path to being sunset.
With the program set to sunset by Q2 2025—and all rebate measures already fully subscribed—now is the time to learn more about new incentive programs available. In this article, we break down what these changes mean for you.
We want to take a moment to express our sincere thanks to the Denver CARe team, APTIM, and everyone who made this program possible. Their hard work has transformed countless homes into more efficient and sustainable spaces. As one of the top participants in the program, UniColorado is proud to have helped Denver homeowners make their homes more comfortable, sustainable, and cost-effective.
Read on to learn how you can still benefit from the remaining rebates and what to expect as the energy incentive landscape shifts in Denver.
Due to enhanced Xcel rebates, strategic county-level decisions, and the introduction of future programs, the Denver CARe Program is gradually being sunset. Here are the changes that have taken place and those expected moving forward:
While Denver CARe did announce some new reduced measures for heat pumps, all rebates are fully subscribed for 2025 as of March 28th, 2025. If this changes in the future, we’ll update this page.
The Denver CARe program is likely to sunset completely by Q2 2025 and no longer offer any incentives.
This table shows the old rebate amounts and other changes for the program which were anounced in February. The reduced rebates were supposed to take effect on March 15th, but as of March 17th, the Denver CARe portal does not allow new applications for heat pump related rebates as most popular measures are fully subscribed.
Even though the CARe Program is ending, there are still opportunities available for homeowners:
Xcel Energy has stepped in with significantly increased rebates for 2025. The average Xcel rebate for heat pumps went from ~$2,500 to over $7,500 for 2025. Their incentives have been tripled, which means you could receive much higher savings on your heat pump installation. However, these funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so timing is crucial. Click below to see our Xcel rebate page or read our 2025 Xcel Rebate Guide here.
✅ Available
New programs are on the horizon that will help fill the gap once CARe sunsets. The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is developing a regional rebate program expected to launch later in 2025. In addition, state-level initiatives like HEAR (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate) and HOMES are set to roll out by mid to late 2025. These programs will offer support for similar energy upgrades but may have different eligibility rules and funding levels.
🚫 Coming Late 2025
🚫 Coming Mid 2025
🚫 Income Restricted
Incentives for heat pump installations are at an all-time high right now—especially from Xcel Energy—but they won’t last forever. Xcel has labeled its boosted 2025 rebates as “limited time” meaning they can reduce or end them at any point. We currently expect these enhanced rebates to last until around July, but there’s no guarantee.
Beyond that, newer programs like DRCOG and HEAR will likely have income restrictions, so if you earn above a certain threshold, you may not qualify. In other words, if you want to maximize your savings and avoid missing out entirely, it’s best to act sooner rather than later.
The sunset of the Denver CARe Program marks the end of an important era for energy efficiency in our city. While the rebates have been reduced and the program is closing down by Q2 2025, there’s still a chance to secure savings today. Xcel Energy’s enhanced rebates and the promise of upcoming programs offer hope for continued support, but the time to act is now.
Once again, We want to extend our gratitude and a heartfelt thank you to the entire Denver CARe team, APTIM, and everyone who made this program possible. Their hard work has helped transform thousands of homes into more sustainable and energy-efficient spaces.
For over a decade, UniColorado has been at the forefront of designing and installing heat pump systems across Colorado—well before they became the hot new thing. With UniCo, you get all incentives, rebates and thousands of hours of experience that can only come with time.
As one of the top participants in the Denver CARe Program, our record of thousands of successful installations gives you the confidence and peace of mind you deserve. With UniColorado, you enjoy hassle-free, immediate rebate savings and the expertise of a team that’s been leading the way in energy-efficient solutions for years.
