The Collective Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) runs both programs. ClearPath On-Bill is repaid on your Xcel electric bill. RENU is a loan from Elevations Credit Union or Westerra Credit Union.
Side by side
| ClearPath On-Bill | RENU | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | $1,500 to $50,000 per meter, before the 2% fee | Up to $75,000 |
| Fixed rate, 3 years | 4.50% | 6.99% to 9.99% |
| Fixed rate, 5 years | 4.75% | 6.99% to 9.99% |
| Fixed rate, 7 years | 5.00% | 7.49% to 10.49% |
| Fixed rate, 10 years | 5.49% | 7.74% to 10.74% |
| Longest term | 10 years | 15 years |
| Fees | 2% origination, financed, plus county filing fees | A UCC filing fee. Elevations also charges a $25 processing fee and a CCEF program fee of 1% of the project. |
| Approval | CCEF: no traditional credit check; your Xcel bill history | A credit score of 580 or more |
| Security | A county land records notice, no lien | A filing on the equipment, no lien |
If the amount is under Westerra's minimum, the comparison uses Elevations only.
What each costs
Take $15,000 after rebates, repaid over 10 years. ClearPath comes to $166 a month, if approved, with the 2% fee rolled in. RENU comes to $180 to $204 a month, if approved, depending on your score. In all, $19,916 against $21,592 to $24,531, before filing fees and RENU's lender fees.
ClearPath's rate is below RENU's lowest rate at every term, even after its fee. RENU's range runs from the best credit score to the lowest each lender accepts. Elevations' rates took effect May 1, 2024. Westerra's sheet took effect March 1, 2025, and CCEF posted it in June 2026. Westerra lends at least $5,000 over 5 or 7 years and $10,000 over 10.
When ClearPath fits
- Xcel supplies your electricity, the account and the deed are in your name, and you live in the home.
- You have at least six months of Xcel bills, no late fees in that time and no shutoff notice in a year.
- You'd rather be approved on your bill history. CCEF describes ClearPath as having no traditional credit check.
If you sell, CCEF says the buyer takes over the balance with the meter; you disclose it. You can pay it off first with no penalty. A missed payment is handled like any missed Xcel bill, which CCEF says can include disconnection.
When RENU fits
- The job is over $50,000, or you want 15 years.
- Xcel isn't your electric company.
- The house is a second home, or a rental (Elevations only).
- Your credit is strong but your Xcel history has a recent late fee.
CCEF answers program questions at (720) 263-2313.
