Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), and the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) are encouraging residents to take advantage of several programs aimed at reducing energy bills and improving home energy efficiency as winter approaches.
“We are focused on saving Coloradans more on energy bills. Key to this effort is making it as easy as possible to get energy bill help when you need it, and take advantage of federal rebates before they expire. As we set our clocks back on Saturday, I encourage all Coloradans to explore energy-saving options you can choose to help lower their energy costs as much as possible during the winter months,” said Governor Jared Polis.
Starting November 1, applications open for the Federal Low Income Heating Program (LEAP), which provides one-time payments ranging from $200 to $1,000 for heating assistance. According to officials, about 80% of eligible residents do not use LEAP. The PUC offers a Utility Bill Help dashboard where individuals can find utility-specific bill assistance programs. Those enrolled may have their natural gas and electric bills capped at 6% of annual income.
“With the heating season starting soon, LEAP is a vital program that keeps thousands of Colorado households warm. Eligible families can expect to receive between $200 to $1,000 in energy assistance. These are valuable funds that they can then use towards essentials like rent and medications,” said CDHS Director of the Office of Economic Security Shelley Banker.
Federal rebates remain available for two more months for upgrades such as residential heat pump systems, heat pump water heaters, weatherization projects, electrical panel improvements, and home energy audits. State officials advise residents interested in these upgrades to begin planning soon due to scheduling requirements.
“As we move into the heating season, it’s a great time to explore your home’s energy use and determine what improvements can save you money and keep your home more comfortable this winter,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. “With a number of state, federal, local, and utility incentives available, the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator can help Coloradans find opportunities to save money on these improvements for their homes.”
For customers served by Xcel Energy, new Time of Use (TOU) rates will be implemented starting November 1. Under TOU rates—which divide weekdays into On-Peak hours from 5 PM–9 PM and Off-Peak periods at other times—customers pay different prices depending on when they use electricity. Customers have a choice between TOU or flat rate billing options by using Xcel Energy’s online comparison tool.
“Time of Use rates help to keep energy affordable and give consumers a way to lower their energy bill. Even small shifts, such as running a clothes dryer later in the evening, can make a difference,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “And by shifting demand, we can avoid using more expensive energy sources in peak times and require utilities to build less generation overall—which lowers bills for all customers.”
The aim behind TOU rates is both cost savings for consumers who shift usage away from peak hours—and system-wide savings by reducing demand during expensive periods for utilities’ electric systems.
Several resources exist for those seeking support: The Colorado Energy Savings Navigator helps determine eligibility for various programs including LEAP; LEAP provides federally funded heating assistance; Energy Outreach Colorado offers emergency funds for overdue utility bills or broken heating systems; details about TOU rates are available via the PUC’s website or through Xcel Energy’s site.
