147: Cut Your Energy Bill with Help from Energy Resource Center

147: Cut Your Energy Bill with Help from Energy Resource Center

Author: Dave Gardner January 15, 2026 Duration: 22:25

ERC helps cut wasted energy consumption through energy-efficient home upgrades, now available to all households in their 27-county service area, regardless of income level. Upgrades are free to income-qualifying households. ERC collectively saves $300,000 in utility bills each year by upgrading about 2,000 homes. Energy Resource Center Director of Programs Mike Mazzola fills us in on what ERC can do for you.

LINKS:

Sustainability & Resiliency Info and Networking Survey: https://forms.gle/aJCcs4Lv9ZAVk6E69

Energy Resource Center: https://erc-co.org

Colorado Energy Savings Navigator: https://puc.colorado.gov/energy-savings

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.


Hosted by Dave Gardner, Peak Environment digs into the real-world choices and conversations shaping life in the Pikes Peak Region. This isn't a distant global overview, but a local look at how environmental care weaves into the fabric of our community, from the trails we hike to the policies our leaders debate. Each episode explores the intersection of our society and our surroundings, considering how sustainable practices impact both our physical health and our cultural values. You'll hear from neighbors, advocates, and experts discussing practical steps for stewardship, the nuances of building a resilient local economy, and the ongoing work toward balanced public policy. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded dialogue that connects personal fitness and well-being directly to the health of the place we call home. Find this podcast for a deeper understanding of what it means to live well, right here.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Peak Environment
Podcast Episodes
133: Wildtending, Ancient Skills, & Listening to Nature [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:57
Components of nature connection and the basic skills that everyone's ancestors practiced. Host/co-producer Ally Richardson and guests Iraiah & Austin – who run Smokebrush’s Earth Skill Club – talk about facilitating oppo…
131: Art, Hope, and 2025 – an Update from 350 Colorado [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:33
Chelsea and Melissa at 350 Colorado discuss hope and art, in addition to specifics on exciting events in CO Springs coming up in 2025. This episode is a must listen! Also discussed: COP29 Climate Lobby Day – Friday, Marc…
130: Shifting the Status Quo of Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:14
There is a divide among sustainability advocates concerning urban development. At a glance, it may seem that halting all development would be beneficial. However, John Olson urges us to look beyond the surface and consid…
129: Concrete Couch & Concrete Coyote – Art and Sustainability [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:19
Learn how local arts nonprofit Concrete Couch has turned a concrete dump into a community asset – a park and learning center. Caitlin Hannigan and Jorge Estevez also share how Concrete Couch has contributed to increasing…
127: Permablitz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
What is a permablitz? Ally Richardson invites fellow permaculturists Alexandra Malecki and Beth Carbone to discuss this engaging social permaculture event. We couldn’t contain our giggles! Together, we share our experien…
126: Life Happens. Be Ready [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:14
Learn about the GRIT Program that offers training in a brief conversational intervention used to support effective coping for those in your natural social network. In these trying times, we could all benefit from free tr…
125: A Fossil Free Future - Meet 350 Colorado [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:56
Learn how 350 Colorado can help you become a climate activist, or have more fun and be more effective if you’re already an activist. Chelsea Alexander and Melissa Burrell share what 350 Colorado is and does, and then dri…