Namaste Solar, a Colorado-based employee-owned cooperative and Certified B Corporation, is launching its sixth annual Keep the Lights on Colorado campaign to raise $50,000 that will go toward community solar subscriptions for 116 Colorado families experiencing energy insecurity.
The campaign supports Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), a statewide nonprofit that helps Coloradans afford their home energy needs. All funds raised will go directly toward providing community solar subscriptions, which can save households up to 50% of their home electric costs.
Energy costs continue to rise across the state, and low-income families are often hit hardest. According to EOC, one in five households in Colorado struggles with a high energy burden, spending a disproportionate share of their income on utility bills. In some cases, energy costs exceed 20 percent of monthly income, forcing families to make difficult trade-offs between heat, food, rent, and healthcare. Communities of color, households with young children, seniors, and Individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected.
With this urgent need, Namaste Solar is calling on both businesses and individual donors to contribute to the campaign and expand solar access to those who need it most. most. Learn more about the effort.
“As utility rates continue to rise, more and more Colorado households struggle to pay their monthly bill,” said Jenna Stadsvold, co-owner and brand manager at Namaste Solar. “We have partnered with Energy Outreach Colorado to use the benefits of solar to help those who need it most. We are proud of how this effort has brought together so many businesses and individuals in our community to make a difference.”
Now in its sixth year, the Keep the Lights on Colorado campaign has raised more than $337,000 since its launch in 2020, providing solar access to more than 1,000 households.
“This campaign goes far beyond financial assistance,” said Jennifer Gremmert, CEO of Energy Outreach Colorado. “It provides stability, dignity, and long-term savings to families who often face impossible choices between paying energy bills or meeting other basic needs. We’re grateful to Namaste Solar and their community of supporters for helping make clean, affordable energy more accessible in Colorado.”
Namaste Solar’s 20th Anniversary Celebration will Raise Additional Funds
This year’s campaign will be boosted by a community fundraiser and birthday bash celebrating Namaste Solar’s 20th anniversary. The public event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Rayback Collective at 2775 Valmont Rd, Boulder. All ticket sales will support the Keep the Lights on Colorado campaign.
The event will include local food trucks, a silent disco, face painting, henna tattoos, a photo booth, swag items, and family-friendly fun.
“Turning 20 is a big milestone, especially in the solar industry, and this celebration is about bringing together the people and our community who helped us get here,” said Stadsvold. “On top of hosting a really fun party, we’re also raising money for a good cause. All ticket sales will help fund solar subscriptions for families in need. This is an open invite to the community – whether you’ve been part of our journey these past twenty years or not, we’d love to have you join us to have a good time with good people.”
Tickets
- VIP: $45 – Includes two drinks, one food truck voucher and swag item.
- Reveler: $25 – Includes two drinks or one food truck voucher, and swag item.
- Kids under 12: Free – Ticket required for headcount
The event is sponsored by Greentech Renewables and IMA Financial Group, long-time partners of Namaste Solar.
How to get involved
Individuals can donate directly to the campaign or purchase tickets to the birthday fundraiser. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Namaste Solar for more information.