Namaste Solar is bringing together Colorado businesses and community members to help raise $50,000 this October for households struggling to afford their energy bills. Now in its seventh year, Namaste Solar’s Keep the Lights on Colorado campaign benefits Energy Outreach Colorado, with a goal of supporting 130 households.
The campaign comes as electricity costs put additional pressure on household budgets. Xcel Energy’s electric rates in Colorado had increased 22.2% since September 2023, more than three times the rate of inflation, The Colorado Sun reported Aug. 20, citing a Colorado Public Utilities Commission staff report.
One in five Colorado households struggles with a high energy burden, meaning energy costs consume a disproportionate share of household income. Some cannot afford their bills at all.
“Some days I was trying to figure out how I was going to feed my kids let alone worry about an electricity bill,” said Donna, an Energy Outreach Colorado recipient. “It was electricity or feed them, and food was more important with seven kids. I just felt like we were drowning, and I couldn’t find a way out of it.”
Every dollar raised through Keep the Lights on Colorado goes directly to Energy Outreach Colorado. The funds support community solar subscriptions that can reduce energy costs over time as well as bill payment assistance, including help for households facing utility disconnection.
“Electricity costs are going up. Food cost is going up. Everything is going up. So, our households are being pulled in every direction. People who don’t have a lot of income have to make serious decisions about how they’re going to spend their money and where they’re going to put their resources,” said Berlyn Hubler, Energy Outreach Colorado’s solar program manager.
Community solar subscriptions help households benefit from solar energy without installing panels at home, expanding access for renters and people who cannot afford a rooftop system. While bill payment assistance addresses immediate needs, community solar can help lower bills over the longer term.
“Creating holistic wealth in our communities has always been part of Namaste Solar’s mission,” said Jenna Stadsvold, co-owner and director of inbound marketing and culture at Namaste Solar. “Keep the Lights on Colorado is one way we can bring people and businesses together to support neighbors who are struggling with high energy costs.”
Since 2020, Keep the Lights on Colorado has raised more than $365,000 and helped more than 1,200 Colorado families. In 2026, EOC estimates that a donation of about $375 can help one household. For neighbors deciding between turning on the heat and paying for food, that support can help ease the pressure on household budgets.
“You guys came at the right time,” said Donna. “You saved my family. You can’t live without electricity. You got me through the roughest time in my life.”
Many businesses have already committed support for the 2026 campaign. Leadership Level sponsor Greenbacker leads the effort, joined by Influencer Level sponsors Amalgamated Bank, Conscience Bay Company, and Enterprise. Promoter Level sponsors include Shirazi Benefits, Wallaroo Hat, Domoto Brands, NESCO (New Energy Structures Co), Gadellnet, Ink Monstr, IronRidge, and Ascent. In-kind media sponsors include Mile High CRE, CREJ, Prairie Media, KUNC, CO Sound, CCD, CPR, and BisNow. Namaste Solar is inviting additional companies and individuals to join these organizations in supporting Colorado households. To contribute toward the $50,000 goal, visit the Keep the Lights on Colorado campaign page. All donations go directly to Energy Outreach Colorado.
