What is ClearPath On-Bill?

Xcel's on-bill repayment program, run by the Collective Clean Energy Fund (CCEF). CCEF pays your contractor the full project cost, and you repay it as a fixed monthly line on your Xcel bill. It covers $1,500 to $50,000 of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, panel upgrades, insulation, and other efficiency work.

I heard about ClearPath from Xcel or CCEF. How do I start?

Start with an authorized contractor. You don't need to apply with CCEF first: the contractor writes the scope of work and submits the application. Send us photos or call, mention ClearPath, and we'll check the basics before we design the system.

Do I need good credit?

There is no credit score requirement, and CCEF describes ClearPath as having no traditional credit check. Approval is based on your Xcel bill: at least 6 months of history on the account, no shutoff notices in 12 months, and no late fees in 6 months. CCEF looks at each application, so one or two late fees aren't automatically a no.

What are the rates and fees?

Fixed by term: 3 years at 4.50%, 5 years at 4.75%, 7 years at 5.00%, 10 years at 5.49%. No money down. The 2% origination fee is added to the balance, so nothing is due at signing. County filing fees also apply.

Is this a loan? Does it show up on my credit report?

It is a tariff tied to your electric meter rather than a conventional consumer loan. The program manual says it "does not constitute new debt." Xcel and CCEF still use the word "loan" on their pages and paperwork. We can't speak for how a credit bureau treats it; CCEF can answer that at (720) 263-2313.

How do Xcel rebates work with it?

They come off the price before financing, so you only finance the post-rebate amount. You assign the rebate to UniColorado and we collect it from Xcel. If Xcel verifies a smaller rebate than estimated, program rules say your financed amount cannot go up.

Does it put a lien on my house?

No. CCEF files a Land Records Notice with the county to document the obligation. No lien is placed on the property.

What happens if I sell?

The charge stays with the home. Xcel's tariff (Schedule OBRP) says it is assigned to the meter and "will survive changes in ownership," so the buyer takes over the payments. You have to disclose it to buyers. You can also pay it off at any time, including before you sell. Ask CCEF (onbill@cocleanenergyfund.com) about your sale before you list.

What if I miss a payment?

It is handled like any other unpaid part of your Xcel bill. CCEF notes that can include collections or disconnection under Xcel's standard procedures.

Can I pay it off early?

Yes, any time, with no prepayment penalty.

Can I finance a repair or an AC-only replacement?

No. The program excludes repairs, tune-ups, duct cleaning, and standalone AC installs. A furnace on its own isn't covered either. A dual fuel system is, including the new furnace that backs up the heat pump.

What else does the program cover?

The Xcel measure list also covers insulation, air sealing, ENERGY STAR windows and doors, ground-source heat pumps, and solar-charged batteries. We handle the heat pump, water heater, panel, and thermostat side. CCEF's directory at ccef.info/on-bill lists contractors for the rest.

Is UniColorado authorized?

Yes, since June 2026. We handle the application with you, size every heat pump with a Manual J load calculation as the program requires, and give the written 1-year labor warranty it requires.

ClearPath On-Bill: Pay for a Heat Pump on Your Xcel Bill

No money down, fixed 4.50% to 5.49%, and approval based on how you've paid your Xcel bill instead of your credit score. UniColorado is an authorized ClearPath contractor.

Send Photos for an Estimate (303) 250-1000

We price the job with your monthly ClearPath payment, if approved, then confirm everything in person.

Updated October 13, 2026 · By Editorial Staff

$1,500 to $50,000
per electric meter
4.50% to 5.49%
fixed, set by term
3 to 10 years
you pick the term
$0 down
nothing at signing
2% fee
added to the balance
No lien
no prepayment penalty

Run by the Collective Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) with Xcel Energy. Terms checked against CCEF in October 2026. CCEF sets final terms and approval.

How it works

Who Pays Whom

CCEF

Pays the full cost upfront

The Collective Clean Energy Fund pays UniColorado directly. You put nothing down.

UniColorado

Installs the system

Rebates come off before financing. The charge is tied to your electric meter.

You

Pay one line on your Xcel bill

Fixed monthly amount for 3 to 10 years. Pay it off early any time.

Xcel collects the payment with the rest of your bill and passes it to CCEF. No separate lender account, no extra login. Bill drawing is an illustration, not Xcel's actual layout.

Eligibility

Will You Qualify?

Approval looks at your Xcel bill, not your credit score. CCEF describes ClearPath as having no traditional credit check. Answer six questions to see if the basics line up.

Xcel verifies your account history when the application goes in, and CCEF makes the final call. It can grant exceptions case by case.

Eligible upgrades

What We Can Finance With It

Heat pumps

Ducted, ductless, cold climate, and dual fuel with the furnace

Heat pump water heaters

ENERGY STAR models

Panel upgrades

When the heat pump needs one, up to 30% of the project

Smart thermostats

ENERGY STAR, eligible for Xcel AC Rewards

Not covered: repairs, tune-ups, duct cleaning, AC-only replacements, and furnace-only jobs (a dual fuel system is covered, furnace included). Equipment has to meet Xcel's efficiency minimums, which we check at the estimate.

Rebates

Rebates Come Off Before You Finance

With most financing, the Xcel rebate arrives as a check after the install. With ClearPath it is credited upfront, and we collect it from Xcel ourselves.

“Under no circumstances shall the customer's financed amount increase due to a reduction in rebate value.”ClearPath program agreement

Example: 3-ton cold climate heat pump

Installed price$18,000

Xcel rebate ($1,500/ton)−$4,500

2% fee, added in+$270

What you finance$13,770

10 years at 5.49% fixed$149/mo

Illustrative installed price. County filing fees extra. Xcel verifies the rebate after install.

The process

From Photos to Your First Bill

1
Send photos
Your current system and where it sits. We send the after-rebate price and the monthly payment, if approved.
2
We visit and apply
We confirm the design in person and submit the application. Xcel checks your bill history.
3
Sign online
CCEF reviews the project and you sign the funding papers by DocuSign. Nothing is due.
4
Install, then pay on the bill
CCEF pays us after the install. Your payment starts on the Xcel bill after funding.