The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has issued a notice to residents across the state, urging them to prepare for an expected period of extreme cold weather beginning today and continuing through the weekend. The PUC is advising all Coloradans to take measures to remain safe and warm while also avoiding sudden increases in utility bills.
“All Coloradans are urged to take steps to stay safe and warm while avoiding utility bill spikes. Numerous bill assistance programs and home rebates are available to lower bills and make home improvements,” the PUC stated.
To help manage energy costs during the winter, the PUC recommends several practical steps. Residents are encouraged to set thermostats between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit when at home, lowering it further when away. Using programmable thermostats can assist in automatically adjusting temperatures according to daily routines.
Additional advice includes using sunlight for natural warmth by opening blinds during the day and closing them at night, ensuring exterior doors are properly closed, running ceiling fans clockwise to distribute warm air, minimizing oven door openings while cooking, lowering water heater temperatures or insulating them, regularly changing furnace filters, sealing windows and checking for drafts, and improving insulation in homes. These measures can contribute significantly toward reducing monthly energy bills.
The PUC also provided safety recommendations for dealing with severe winter conditions. Residents should clear snow from outdoor vents and gas meters with a broom rather than a shovel to prevent damage. Proper ventilation is important; gas ovens or stovetops should not be used as primary heat sources. Installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout homes is advised, along with preparing emergency kits containing blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food items, and necessary medications.
If there is suspicion of carbon monoxide exposure—indicated by symptoms such as headache, dizziness or nausea—individuals should leave their homes immediately and contact emergency services. For suspected gas leaks (noted by a smell similar to rotten eggs), residents are instructed not to use electronic devices inside the house but instead exit on foot before calling 911 from a safe location.
For those needing assistance with utility bills or seeking information about energy savings programs, customers are encouraged to contact their providers: Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Colorado Natural Gas, or Xcel Energy.
The PUC’s Utility Bill Help Program connects income-qualified residents with gas and electric bill assistance programs operated by major utilities in Colorado. Eligibility assessments and final benefits determinations are made by each respective utility after referral from the program.
Homeowners and renters looking for additional support can access various rebates and incentives through the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator tool. This resource provides information on hundreds of available programs aimed at helping reduce energy costs.
