For women experiencing chronic unemployment, the Women’s Bean Project can be the partner they need to develop their job readiness skills and break the cycle of poverty.
As that need has grown over the years. the Denver-based Women’s Bean Project (WBP) has grown as well – and found a critical partner in Energy Outreach Colorado and Xcel Energy.
To develop a bigger space for classrooms, garages, a manufacturing floor and retail space, WBP applied for a critical grant from Xcel Energy, Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) and Denver Office of Nonprofit Engagement. Through the $75,000 grant, they were able to turn an old car sales and repair garage into a centerpiece building, with plenty of energy efficiency upgrades to help the nonprofit save big on their energy bills.
This partnership is just one of the many ways Xcel Energy teams up with Energy Outreach Colorado to make energy work better for Coloradans.
Energy Outreach Colorado was formed in 1989 as a bill payment assistance program, envisioning a state where all Coloradans can afford their home energy needs. Xcel Energy has been proud to partner with them ever since.
Not only does EOC help customers pay their bills, but they also support customers as they manage the energy elements in their homes, introducing energy efficiency products or resources and hiring vendors to help make updates.
“Energy is a critical, basic need for households, and it's becoming a more and more important part of our lives as we're accessing energy for so many new technologies,” said Jennifer Gremmert, CEO of Energy Outreach Colorado.
Recently, Xcel Energy awarded a contract to EOC that allows them to provide renewable energy access and bill savings to income-qualified households in Colorado. The contract gives EOC access to two solar gardens in Douglas County, which doubles their solar footprint and could provide bill savings for up to 1,400 homes in Colorado.
“As we're thinking about changing climate, changing environments, the work that we're doing in partnership with Xcel Energy has just been incredibly important,” said Gremmert.
Another team in this winning partnership is the Colorado Avalanche. Avs fans might have seen EOC and the Energy Assist program at Avs home games the last few seasons. Whether on the jumbotron, watching from home, or out in the concourse, Avs fans can donate to EOC right on their phones. Through that program, fans and Xcel Energy have donated $435,633 to help our friends and neighbors facing energy challenges since 2023.
“For the future, we're always thinking about innovative ways to help Colorado families. I think [this] partnership is a longstanding one,” Gremmert said. “This work is not going away.”
The generosity of Coloradans is what keeps EOC thriving. By working together with EOC, Xcel Energy ensures families stay safe, connected and able to meet essential energy needs.