Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Colorado Energy Office (CEO), and the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) are encouraging residents to take advantage of various programs aimed at reducing energy bills and supporting home energy upgrades 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 offers one-time payments to assist with heating costs. The program is funded by Congress and can provide eligible households with several hundred dollars in aid. However, about 80% of those eligible in Colorado do not use LEAP. Residents can find utility-specific assistance through the PUC’s Utility Bill Help dashboard. Enrolling in these programs may limit a household’s natural gas and electric bills to no more than 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 home improvements such as heat pump systems, water heaters, weatherization projects, electrical panel upgrades, and home energy audits. Since these upgrades require time for scheduling and installation, officials advise beginning the process promptly.
“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 Xcel Energy customers, new Time of Use (TOU) rates will start November 1. Under TOU rates, electricity prices vary depending on whether usage occurs during On-Peak or Off-Peak hours. Customers have the option to select either TOU or a flat rate by comparing their data through 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 new On-Peak period for Xcel customers will be from 5 PM to 9 PM on weekdays; all other times including weekends and holidays will be Off-Peak periods. This rate structure is intended to reflect actual operating costs at different times of day while encouraging reduced consumption during high-demand periods.
Residents seeking assistance or information about eligibility for these programs can access resources like the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator online tool or contact organizations such as Energy Outreach Colorado for emergency support with overdue utility bills or broken heating systems.
