Powering Up Commercial Kitchens Around Boulder County |
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The world is going electric! Electric food trucks are hitting Colorado streets, and electric landscaping equipment is more popular than ever. Now commercial kitchens are joining the shift.
Switching to electric appliances can feel daunting. But it's a big step toward healthier indoor air and better energy efficiency — and PACE wants to help make the switch easier.
We've already helped several restaurants across the county make the change. Recently, we helped Dairy Queen Grill and Chill in north Longmont swap an old gas fryer for a new electric one with a PACE Kitchen Equipment grant. "Our new electric fryer runs much more cleanly and efficiently than our previous gas fryer," said Janice, the store's general manager. "Recovery time — the time it takes cooking oil to return to its set temperature after frozen food goes in — is about 90 seconds, compared to about five minutes with the old fryer.” “The space around the new fryer is noticeably cooler than it was with the old gas fryer," notes kitchen manager Noah. "Plus, the air quality in the kitchen seems much better, making for more enjoyable working conditions for our staff."
PACE offers grants to help small businesses offset the cost of switching from gas to electric. Last year, we helped Boulder restaurant River & Woods replace an old gas oven with a new electric combi oven — a versatile appliance that combines heat, steam, or both in one machine. "PACE made it possible for us to get a new state-of-the-art piece of cooking equipment and meet our sustainability goals in a way that would have been out of reach without this help," said Josh Dinar, owner of River & Woods. "This program is a true example of local government putting its money where its mouth is, and we couldn't be more grateful."
Ready to swap a gas appliance for an electric one? Email PACE at info@pacepartners.com to get started!
Electric equipment demonstrations
If you’re curious about commercial electric kitchen equipment and want to try it out, consider attending an upcoming demo. Explore innovative tools, learn from industry experts, and see how all‑electric kitchens can boost performance and efficiency.
Check out upcoming events at Ignite Foodservice and Intermountain Food Equipment to find a session that fits your schedule. These events are not managed or sponsored by PACE. |
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Xcel Energy lighting replacement program is back! |
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The Xcel Direct Install lighting replacement program is back! PACE advisors are ready to help small businesses with T8/T12 lighting fixtures take advantage of this opportunity to replace old linear fluorescent tubes with new, energy-efficient LEDs at no cost.
Upgrading from fluorescent tube lighting to LEDs can shrink your energy bills, improve lighting quality, and save you maintenance costs and hassle. Plus, linear and compact fluorescent lamps have largely been banned from sale in the state of Colorado due to the Clean Lighting Act. Visit the PACE website to learn how we can help connect you with the Direct Install program and swap out your old tubes – for FREE! |
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Free training for climate‑resilient landscape practices |
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Join the City of Boulder’s landscape contractor training focused on climate-smart landscaping practices. Learn how to help properties use less water and better withstand heat, drought, and wildfire risks. This free training provides practical guidance on plant selection, soil health, efficient irrigation, and design strategies suited to Boulder’s changing climate. Landscape professionals are encouraged to participate to build new skills, support community resilience, and help create more sustainable outdoor spaces across Boulder.
Training Details Saturday, Oct. 24 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. East Boulder Rec Center - 5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, CO 80303
This event is free and available in Spanish and English. Please register in advance as space is limited. Meals and refreshments will be provided! Visit the City of Boulder’s website to learn more. |
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Community conversation to help shape the City of Boulder’s approach to single-use plastics |
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The City of Boulder is continuing to explore policies and other approaches to reduce single-use plastics and other disposables in our community, and they want to hear from you.
Join the City of Boulder for a community conversation on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Junkyard Social to learn more about the work underway. You’ll also have a chance to share your experiences and ideas – all while having a little fun. The event will include plastics trivia and prizes, a staff presentation, and small group activities. Learn more on the city’s website. |
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Extended: Power & Plastic in Food Service Survey for City of Boulder Businesses |
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Last month, we told you about a survey from the City of Boulder’s Climate Initiatives department. The survey deadline has been extended and is now available through Oct. 25.
Answers will help shape City Council's next steps on power reliability and single-use plastics.
The survey is available in both English and Spanish through Oct. 25. Participants can win a $50 VISA gift card. Share your view and help guide future policy!  Questions? Contact Deryn Wagner at wagnerd@bouldercolorado.gov. |
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Resources for HVAC professionals from Power Ahead Colorado |
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The heat pump market is growing, and skilled contractors have an opportunity to grow with it.
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling from one efficient system, giving HVAC professionals more ways to meet customers’ year-round comfort needs. Power Ahead Colorado connects current and future HVAC professionals with training, workforce resources and the Colorado Contractor Hub to help build skills, navigate available programs and prepare for growing demand.
Learn more about building your heat pump expertise and your business on the Power Ahead Colorado website. |
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Doing Business with Boulder County |
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Boulder County regularly hires local businesses for construction, professional services, IT, maintenance, supplies, and more. If you want to work with the county, start by registering in our procurement system, Euna (formerly Bonfire).
Opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses  A 2024 study showed gaps in how minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MBE/WBE) access county contracts. In response, Boulder County is updating its purchasing policies, increasing outreach, and setting participation goals to help level the playing field.
The county recognizes City and County of Denver MWBE certification. While certification doesn’t guarantee a contract, it does help your business get noticed.
Benefits of MWBE certification include: - For purchases between $10,000 and $99,999, county departments must invite at least one certified MBE/WBE to submit a quote.
- For some construction projects over $100,000, prime contractors must reach out to and include certified MBE/WBE subcontractors. Listing in Denver’s MWBE database helps contractors find you.
Where to find opportunities
Bids over $100,000 are posted publicly for competitive bidding. Smaller purchases ($10,000–$99,999) may require vendor quotes; these opportunities will begin posting in the procurement system next year.
For more information, reach out to Karina Jensen at kjensen@bouldercounty.gov. |
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Cleaning up spills to protect our waterways |
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Accidents happen! Do you know what to do when a liquid material spill happens? This includes anything but clean water – could be soap, grease, cleaning solution, or food products. Outdoor spills need to be cleaned up properly to protect our waterways. For spills both indoors and outdoors, use dry cleanup methods (sweeping, dry absorbents) to clean them up immediately. Use a broom to sweep up the absorbent and place it in the trash. Never wash or hose down spills.
For spills that happen outdoors, use a barrier, or cover to protect nearby storm drains. If a spill reaches the storm drain system, notify your municipal stormwater staff. And remember to report pollution to your municipality. |
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Efficiency Works to sunset commercial lighting fixture rebates at the end of 2026 |
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Commercial lighting fixture rebates are scheduled to sunset at the end of 2026. This means that lighting fixture rebate applications will not be accepted beginning in 2027.
High‑efficiency lighting is a proven way to: - reduce energy use
- improve lighting quality
- lower ongoing maintenance needs
Available rebates can help offset upfront costs while the program is still in place. Now is an ideal time to evaluate projects that may be on the horizon.
Efficiency Works Business staff are available to help businesses: - Confirm rebate eligibility
- Understand program timelines
- Plan and prioritize upgrades with confidence
Visit the Efficiency Works website to review rebate details and eligibility or connect with an advisor for planning support.
Rebates are available to commercial electric customers of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications, or City of Loveland Utilities. To learn more, contact the Efficiency Works Business team at business@efficiencyworks.org. |
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