The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced the second year of its Utility Bill Help program, which aims to assist low-income residents with their winter heating bills. The program will run from November 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
The initiative is designed for customers of Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy, Atmos Energy, or Colorado Natural Gas who are also receiving benefits from programs such as Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), or Subsidized Housing. Qualified participants can enroll in utility-run affordability programs that cap their energy costs at six percent of their monthly income.
The decision to continue the pilot was based on demand and participation during its first year. In the initial cycle from 2023-2024, the PUC received 768 applications. Of those applicants, just over half were enrolled in a utility-run assistance program and nearly 200 received credits toward overdue balances.
“The PUC is proud of the UBH program that has helped connect the state’s most vulnerable families with existing utility energy assistance programs,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “This income-qualified program, in its second year, has played a critical role to help save people money, and keep them safe and warm in their own homes.”
Officials encourage eligible residents to apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) to access all available support for heating costs. Customers already participating in LEAP will be referred directly to utility-led assistance programs without needing a separate UBH application.
For further information about eligibility and how to apply for the Utility Bill Help program, individuals may call 303-869-0380 or email dora_utility_bill_help@state.co.us.
