According to the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey, food service and sales businesses are among the most energy cost burdened small businesses, consuming three times more electricity than the commercial average. This energy burden, coupled with high operational costs, can make it difficult to replace equipment. In the 2019 pilot of this program, PACE found equipment manufactured in the 1950s still in use! The PACE Refrigeration & Restaurant Equipment Grant helps small, locally owned restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, and caterers in Boulder County replace inefficient refrigeration and restaurant equipment with brand-new, energy-efficient models.
There are substantial benefits to upgrading equipment:

- Lower energy bills
- More reliable equipment
- Less maintenance
- Improved aesthetics
- Improved workplace comfort
- Safer food handling temperatures/decreased health risks
- Reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
While there are many benefits to replacing inefficient equipment, PACE understands there are also many barriers, including:
- Cost
- Selection of the correct equipment
- Time involved in finding, vetting, and working with a vendor
- Installation logistics
- Removal and proper disposal of old equipment
Through the Refrigeration and Restaurant Equipment Grant, PACE helps remove these barriers to provide your business an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of new, efficient equipment while helping your business and the community reach their sustainability goals.
What is included in the grant?
PACE negotiated discount pricing with Tundra Restaurant Supply, a local vendor, to equip eligible participants with ENERGY STAR certified restaurant and grocery equipment. The grant covers up to 70% of the costs upfront. Additionally, PACE covers up to 100% of costs associated with delivery and installation of new equipment as well as proper disposal of old equipment.
*Existing equipment must be manufactured in 2005 or earlier to qualify.
As part of the Refrigeration and Restaurant Equipment Grant, PACE will also assist your business identify opportunities for water conservation, waste reduction, and upgrading additional building equipment, including lighting.
What types of equipment are included in the grant?
Existing equipment must be manufactured in 2005 or earlier. Please let us know if your equipment is currently not working and we will do our best to prioritize your application. New equipment must be powered by electricity (not natural gas). The following equipment types are included in the grant:
- Refrigerator units with doors
- Freezer units with doors
- Merchandisers
- Dishwashers
- Ice machines
- Lighting (must have T12 fluorescent, the age of the equipment does not matter)
If you have equipment that falls outside the above and you would like your project to be considered for the grant, please fill out the exception section of the interest form.