If you own or manage a commercial building in Denver, you’ve likely heard about Energize Denver. It’s the official building performance policy that was first passed in 2021 and has been revised several times since. The goal of this policy is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut local air pollution, and lower energy costs.
One of the latest updates to the policy is how buildings plan electrical work. Upgrades that might have been put off for years, such as replacing outdated lighting or adding smarter controls, are now part of many compliance strategies. Here’s what you need to know about electrical upgrades that can help your building meet compliance requirements while improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.
A Quick Look at What Energize Denver Requires
Energize Denver applies to commercial and multifamily buildings that are 5,000 square feet and larger. There are different requirements for each building size. For example, large buildings that are 25,000 square feet and up must benchmark their energy use every year and work toward building-specific energy performance targets. Smaller buildings between 5,000 and 24,999 square feet follow a simpler set of requirements.
The city has also clarified a few points that were causing confusion among property owners. Its 2026 ordinance amendments didn’t mandate electrification, and they didn’t require every building to cut energy use by 30%. Denver buildings that are covered by Colorado’s statewide performance program can also now satisfy the state’s performance targets by complying with Energize Denver.
Since the rules are always changing, it’s smart to confirm your building’s requirements directly with the city’s Energize Denver program before you plan projects.
Lighting and Controls: The Most Common Starting Point
For many buildings, lighting is the fastest and most cost-effective way to reduce energy use. Older fluorescent and metal halide fixtures use far more electricity than modern LEDs, and they often need more frequent maintenance. Upgrading to LED can lower energy use while improving light quality for tenants and employees. LED upgrades have also been a core compliance option for smaller buildings under the policy.
Controls add another layer of savings. Occupancy sensors turn lights off in empty rooms, daylight sensors dim fixtures near windows when natural light is available, and scheduling systems keep common areas from staying fully lit overnight. These upgrades are relatively quick to install and can often be phased floor by floor to avoid disrupting tenants.
Making Room for Bigger Efficiency Projects
Some businesses are going beyond and installing high-efficiency electric heat pumps to replace gas heating or water heating systems. Some add rooftop solar. While electrification isn’t required to meet Energize Denver targets, it’s one strategy that buildings can choose.
Electrical impacts can be significant. Additional circuits, new panels, or an upgraded electrical service from the utility may be required. An electrical assessment at the start of the project can identify if the building has sufficient capacity or if upgrades need to be included in the budget and timeline.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
A 2028 or 2032 deadline can feel far away, but electrical projects take longer than many owners expect. Engineering, permitting, and utility coordination all add time. Equipment like switchgear, transformers, and large panels can carry long lead times, and a service upgrade that depends on the utility may take months to schedule.
Starting early gives you room to phase work around tenants, take advantage of available incentives, and spread costs across multiple budget years. Denver has offered funding programs and rebates to help some buildings with efficiency and electrification upgrades, so it’s worth checking what’s currently available before you begin. Owners who wait until the last year before a deadline often end up paying more and competing for the same contractors as everyone else.
Get Your Building Ready
MV Power Solutions helps building owners, property managers, and general contractors across the Denver metro area plan and complete electrical upgrades. Our team handles LED lighting retrofits, controls, panel and service upgrades, and the electrical work that supports larger efficiency projects. We can assess your current system, explain what your building can handle today, and help you build a practical plan for the years ahead.
Planning upgrades for Energize Denver? Contact MV Power Solutions or call (720) 287-2305 to talk with our team about your building’s electrical needs.