While there are financing options available for energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy projects through the Colorado Clean Energy Fund, City staff are staying abreast of regional initiatives, state legislation and grant opportunities that could provide seed funding or a platform for a revolving loan fund or on-bill financing in Longmont.
Longmont Power & Communications has introduced the idea of a shared on-bill repayment offering to Platte River Power Authority and the other owner communities. The partnership is reviewing the methodology and impacts of Tri-State Generation's program to determine whether something similar could work in this jurisdiction. The key element to a program, either through Platte River or independently in Longmont, is seed funding or a financing mechanism. There may be legislation in 2026 at the state level that could support these types of programs.
On-bill repayment (OBR) is a financing mechanism that enables utility customers to install clean energy improvements, such as high-efficiency equipment or rooftop solar, without requiring upfront capital investment. Instead, the cost of the system is covered by a low-interest loan that is repaid through a fixed charge on the customer’s utility bill. This structure is particularly valuable for income-qualified households, as it lowers financial barriers to participation in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electrification programs.
City staff is taking a proposed code change ordinance to City Council in August 2026 that will allow this type of payment structure in anticipation of future opportunities for this kind of service.
