My sisters and I always loved it when Granddad would visit.

Granddad Bill lived out of state – California for a while, South Carolina later – so we didn’t get to see him that much. That meant his returns were always cause for excitement, especially since (in true grandparent mode) he always had neat stuff to bring with him, like an English candy bar or a bit of Dodgers paraphernalia.

Well, we’ve got a return of our own to be excited about. And it comes with some pretty neat stuff, too.

CARE is back.

Some of you may remember Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy program, which offers free home energy visits and energy efficiency upgrades to income-qualified Coloradans. Many of its activities had been suspended for the last year or so since – well, since home visits weren’t exactly recommended in a time of pandemic. But as vaccination figures rise and the COVID-19 situation continues to improve, CARE is again ready for action.

It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned the low-income energy efficiency program in this space, so here’s a quick reminder of what to do:

1. Check the income qualifications for your home county and household size.
2. Learn what the program offers – including opportunities for free improvements like air sealing, furnace and boiler safety checks, refrigerator replacement and more – and fill out an application.
3. Call 303-226-5061 for more information.

That’s it. Really.

If this fits you, go ahead and get started. If it fits a friend or neighbor, let them know.

Like that Cadbury chocolate, it’s something sweet to look forward to.