Hi friends and neighbors,
My name is Erika Brown, the newest member of the team at the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency – 4CORE – and I’m honored to serve as your first-ever regional energy coach for La Plata and Archuleta Counties.
4CORE believes everyone deserves access to energy solutions that save money, conserve resources and create healthier homes and businesses. Since 2008, we’ve been working across Southwest Colorado to advance energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean transportation and water conservation. Thanks to grant funding from the Colorado Energy Office, I’m here as an additional free community resource to help you save energy, save money and make your home, business or organization more comfortable and resilient.
“What exactly is an energy coach?” you might be asking. Think of me like a sports or business coach – someone to connect with, guide and motivate you toward your goals. In this case, your energy goals. Maybe you’d like your home to stay warmer in the winter without higher heating bills, or you’re interested in cooling during the hotter months. I can help connect you with free or low-cost energy audits that identify, and sometimes even install, simple, practical upgrades like insulation, sealing up drafts or installing efficient lighting and appliances. These changes can make a big difference in comfort, health and utility costs.
For those heating with propane, electric resistance or an old furnace, switching to a modern electric heat pump will save you money. A host of available rebates make it even more worthwhile and, as a bonus, they also provide cooling. I can help you sort through contractors, incentives and rebates. If you’re exploring solar, battery storage or electrification to improve air quality and reduce costs, I can walk you through your options, too.
I get it – most people don’t have the time to untangle the maze of programs, rebates and requirements at the local, state and federal levels. That’s where I come in! I am your go-to local guide, helping residents, businesses and organizations make sense of opportunities and take advantage of resources that are often underused. Whether you rent or own, whether you’re just starting to think about energy savings or already have solar panels and an EV, I’m here to meet you where you are and help you take the next step.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions, ideas or projects. I’d also love to visit your organization or business to discuss the opportunities available and how to navigate them.
Together, with 4CORE’s programs and partnerships, we can ensure these opportunities benefit everyone in our community.
Erika Brown is regional energy coach for 4CORE. Reach her at erika@fourcore.org or 259-1916, ext. 3.
