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Yampa Valley Electric Association Launches Community Solar Program
Income-qualified members can apply for 2026 cycle of Rays Up solar garden starting February 1.
Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:31pm
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Yampa Valley Electric Association is opening applications on February 1 for the 2026 cycle of its Rays Up Community Solar Garden program, which provides bill credits to income-qualified members to help reduce their electricity costs. The program, launched in 2016, is fully owned and operated by YVEA and has provided around $220,000 in total bill offsets to participants so far.
Why it matters
The Rays Up program helps make renewable energy more accessible to low-income households in the Yampa Valley region, providing tangible financial assistance to those who may struggle with high electricity bills. As energy costs continue to rise, community solar initiatives like this play an important role in promoting energy equity and affordability.
The details
To be eligible, YVEA members must have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income. Participants receive credits on their electricity bills corresponding to a share of the power produced by the solar array. In the previous 2024-2026 cycle, 35 members collectively received around $36,000 in bill offsets. YVEA is partnering with the Community Budget Center in Craig to process applications and verify income eligibility.
- Applications for the 2026 cycle of the Rays Up Community Solar Garden will open on February 1, 2026.
- As of December 31, 2025, the Rays Up program has provided approximately $220,000 in total bill offsets to participants.
The players
Yampa Valley Electric Association
A cooperative electric utility that fully owns and operates the Rays Up Community Solar Garden.
Scott Blecke
CEO of Yampa Valley Electric Association.
Community Budget Center
A partner organization that will process applications and verify income eligibility for the Rays Up program.
What they’re saying
“Rays Up has been a community-centered program from the beginning. As of December 31, 2025, Rays Up Community Solar Garden has provided approximately $220,000 in bill offsets to participants, creating real bill assistance to members in need.”
— Scott Blecke, CEO, Yampa Valley Electric Association
“Members who are part of the income-qualified program can bank their usage during summer months and use it when they need it most – during high-usage months. We are excited to open this round of the program and continue YVEA's commitment to helping our communities.”
— Scott Blecke, CEO, Yampa Valley Electric Association
What’s next
Eligible YVEA members can apply for the 2026 cycle of the Rays Up Community Solar Garden starting on February 1, 2026. The applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The takeaway
The Rays Up Community Solar Garden program demonstrates Yampa Valley Electric Association's commitment to promoting energy equity and affordability in its service area. By providing bill credits to income-qualified households, the program helps make renewable energy more accessible to those who may struggle with high electricity costs.
