DENVER - The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today announced a new pilot program to increase enrollment in utility energy assistance programs by helping Coloradans access valuable resources to manage winter heating expenses. The Utility Bill Help pilot soft-launched in December 2023 and will last until May of 2024. The program serves to make it easier for lower-income customers to access energy assistance from certain utility-run affordability programs. These programs provide relief from energy bills by capping a customer’s monthly energy bill t no more than six percent of their monthly income.
This pilot program is a direct outcome of Governor Polis’ response to the high utility bills experienced last winter that urges state agencies, nonprofits and utilities to come together and find new ways to address affordability. A full description of the efforts resulting from the Governor’s direction is available here.
“While utility bills are not expected to be near what we saw last winter, natural gas is an international commodity that remains subject to market forces,” said Rebecca White, Director of the Public Utilities Commission. “As Colorado continues the transition to stable, renewable energy sources, the Utility Bill Help program is intended to support those who need it the most.”
The Utility Bill Help program is for customers who have applied and are denied benefits under the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). While funding for LEAP is limited by federal allocations, LEAP focuses on serving the most vulnerable people during the heating season. Until now, the primary way to access utility-run energy assistance programs was by being approved for LEAP, as LEAP directly refers customers to utility programs. PUC’s program closes that gap, providing a new pathway to utility energy bill assistance.
How does it work?
- Customers apply for LEAP first! Access LEAP on the Colorado PEAK website to start the application process. Enrollment in LEAP gives customers two sets of bill assistance and prevents disconnection of service.
- If you are denied LEAP benefits, you can visit the PUC’s Utility Bill Help website to apply for utility-led energy assistance bill programs.
For more information on the Utility Bill Help program, visit here, call 303-869-0380, or email dora_utility_bill_help@state.co.us.
Who qualifies for the Utility Bill Help program?
The following are the three requirements to qualify:
- You are a customer of Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy, Atmos Energy, or Colorado Natural Gas.
- You are receiving assistance from one of the following benefit programs:
- Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Woman, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Subsidized Housing (Housing Choice Voucher, previously called Section 8)
- You have applied for LEAP benefits for the 2023-2024 heating season, but your application has been denied.