By Dave Rizzotto
This October, Colorado’s communities are coming together in a collective effort to combat climate change and address energy inequality. Namaste Solar, an employee-owned Certified B Corporation, is hosting its 5th annual ‘Keep the Lights on Colorado’ (KTLOC) philanthropic campaign to help the most vulnerable Colorado families with their electricity bills. The community-based campaign supports Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), a not-for-profit that utilizes community solar subscriptions (CSGs) and emergency bill assistance.
Namaste Solar aims to raise $50,000 to aid 116 Colorado families through the month of October, through contributions from corporate partners and individuals. To become an individual donor, individuals can click the “Donate Now” button on this page.
Increasing electricity costs are the norm on the Front Range with a 4% average annual increase. Energy poverty remains a critical issue, where many low-income households spend a disproportionate amount of their income on energy bills. Simultaneously, we’re in a pivotal moment with climate change. The importance of decarbonizing our grid has never been more apparent. Namaste Solar aims to bring awareness of these issues while raising funds to reduce energy costs for those in need.
The KTLOC campaign supplies qualified families with subscriptions to CSGs, centrally located solar systems that people gain access to through subscriptions.
“A core part of Namaste Solar’s mission is to create holistic wealth for our community, and this campaign is just one way we work to deliver on that goal,” said Jenna Stadsvold, Namaste Solar Co-Owner, Brand Manager, and KTLOC campaign organizer. “This year’s campaign emphasizes how every donation, big or small, contributes to a larger movement for change — much like individual solar systems combining to create a positive impact and combat climate change.”
EOC operates with a mission to protect the economic well-being of all Coloradans and to help our community afford its home energy needs. “The Keep the Lights on Colorado campaign is absolutely crucial to our mission,” said Berlyn Hubler, Community Solar Manager at Energy Outreach Colorado. “Through our partnership with Namaste Solar and this campaign, we’ve been able to make a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of Colorado families over the past five years. As we launch this year’s fundraising efforts, we’re excited to expand our reach and continue transforming lives by providing affordable, clean energy to those who need it most.”
One recipient shared, “I appreciate the assistance you have so kindly helped me with. It has been a blessing. Going through chemo and losing my companion of 25 years to dementia and COPD-4 has been a struggle. Without your help, I don’t know where I would be at this time.”
The KTLOC campaign runs the entirety of October, and anyone can contribute, from individual donations to corporate level giving. Corporate sponsors are encouraged to participate as a means of giving back to the local community that supports their businesses, as well as a way to demonstrate their values to their employees and customers. Corporate donors also gain significant visibility through new sponsorship benefits. To become a sponsor, companies can email Jenna Stadsvold, at jenna.stadsvold@namastesolar.com. To become an individual donor, individuals can click the “Donate Now” button on this page.
Dave Rizzotto is Co-Owner & Director of Marketing for Namaste Solar.
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