Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, through its CARE Fund, awards free energy efficiency upgrades to qualified members in its Fort Collins area service territory. The fund, officially named the Concern About Residential Efficiency fund, provides up to $1,500 for high efficiency lighting, weather stripping, attic insulation, and other improvements to all types of residences.
In 2010, more than 100 PVREA members were nominated for the program, and of these, 60 were selected for energy audits. The audits are free of charge, as are the energy efficiency improvements, which are done by professional contractors. Homeowners are not obliged to contribute any money or perform any work.
The co-op cites one of the seven cooperative principles, concern for community, as the impetus behind the program.