On May 7, 2026, Western Resilience Center and the Routt County Climate Action Plan Collaborative convened dozens of housing industry leaders and homeowners with residential heat pump manufacturers and distributors at the inaugural “Heat Pump Hoedown,” an educational forum designed to highlight the many benefits heat pumps provide consumers and the community. More than 190 people registered for either the in-depth session for building industry professionals or the evening session oriented towards homeowners.
“The inaugural ‘Heat Pump Hoedown’ is part of the broader, multi-year effort of the Routt County Climate Action Plan Collaborative to retrofit 10,000 homes with heat pumps and make heat pumps the preferred heating and cooling solution in new construction across the region,” said Michelle Stewart, PhD., Executive Director of the Western Resilience Center. “Heat pumps are a cost-effective opportunity to reduce pollution, create jobs, benefit consumers, and increase energy resiliency. We look forward to building on the momentum and awareness this event generated.”
“We were thrilled by the attendance and interest in heat pumps at both sessions,” said Sean Kuusinen, General Manager of Elephant Energy, a company which facilitates home heat pump installations with expert consultation, rebate processing, and project management. “We expect to see a surge of installations of heat pumps in Routt County, with homeowners benefitting from rebates that are still available to residents in rural Colorado.”
Among the presentations made by experts at the event: Dinorah Avendaño-Curiel, Communications & Engagement Specialist of the Colorado Energy Office, explained the State of Colorado’s financial incentives to install heat pumps; Estefania Godoy, Regional Engagement and Outreach Manager of Energy Smart Colorado, described local heat pump incentives and programs available in NW Colorado.
“These incentives make heat pumps even more economical,” said Paul Bony, Director of Energy & Transportation at Western Resilience Center, the event’s moderator.
Residential heat pumps offer affordable year-round comfort while reducing energy use and emissions, benefiting homeowners, builders, and the broader community alike. The U.S. Department of Energy provides detailed information on various heat pumps and their benefits.
“We thank the leading heat pump manufacturers and distributors who showcased a broad range of products that can improve comfort in the home, lower carbon emissions, and save consumers money,” said Bony.
The Heat Pump Hoedown was free to attend, thanks to community partners including Elephant Energy, Zero Homes, Arctic Air, BrightSense, Bradford White, KM Sales and Energy Smart Colorado.
“We will continue to promote money-saving ways to advance energy efficiency and electrification across Northwest Colorado,” added Bony. “Those interested in participating in our efforts and our next event should subscribe to our newsletter. As more community members, industry leaders, and local partners join us we will improve our environment, economy, and future.”
