Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
Colorado utility help comes through several separate programs. The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps with part of winter heating costs. Energy Outreach Colorado may help with past-due gas, electric, or heating-fuel bills. The Percent of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) may lower ongoing bills for qualifying customers of participating utilities. City water programs use their own rules.
The 2025-2026 LEAP application season ended on April 30, 2026. Colorado normally accepts LEAP applications from November 1 through April 30. Until the next season opens, call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435), contact your utility, and use local emergency resources.
For a wider support plan, use ASMOM’s Colorado help page and the national utility guide.
If shutoff may happen soon
Call the utility before the shutoff date. Ask for the exact amount and action needed to stop disconnection, a payment arrangement, and a temporary hold while an assistance application is reviewed. Write down the worker’s name, date, time, and confirmation number.
- Energy bill help: Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP and use the EOC agency finder to locate a partner that serves your ZIP code.
- Local referrals: Dial 211 or 866-760-6489, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. The 211 utility directory covers all Colorado counties.
- Medical danger: Customers of PUC-regulated investor-owned utilities may be able to delay disconnection for up to 90 days with a qualifying medical certificate.
- Utility dispute: If you cannot resolve a problem with a regulated utility, call the Colorado Public Utilities Commission consumer unit at 303-894-2070.
- Unsafe home: Use ASMOM’s Colorado safety guide from a safer device if another person controls the utilities or monitors your calls.
ASMOM’s Colorado emergency guide may help when utility debt is tied to food, rent, shelter, or another urgent need.
Where to start
Winter heating bill
Prepare for LEAP when the next season opens. If the home is already without heat or low on delivered fuel, call HEAT HELP now.
Past-due energy bill
Contact the utility and Energy Outreach Colorado. Ask which local partner accepts applications for your utility and ZIP code.
Bills are always too high
Ask about PIPP, weatherization, free efficiency work, budget billing, and an energy audit instead of relying only on one-time payments.
Water bill
Call the water provider shown on the bill. Ask about payment plans, hardship funds, leak adjustments, and local partner agencies.
Quick guide to Colorado utility help
| Problem | Best first step | What it may provide | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter heating cost | LEAP during its season | A one-time payment toward primary heating costs | The 2025-2026 season is closed, and LEAP does not pay the full bill. |
| Past-due energy bill | Energy Outreach Colorado | Emergency help with qualifying gas, electric, or fuel debt | Funding, partner hours, and eligibility vary. |
| Ongoing high bills | PIPP and utility programs | Lower monthly gas or electric costs for qualifying households | A referral and utility review are required. |
| Broken main heater | Crisis Intervention Program | Repair or replacement of an inoperable primary heating system | The household generally must be LEAP-approved. |
| Home wastes energy | Weatherization | Free audit and approved energy-saving improvements | There may be a wait, and renters may need owner approval. |
| Past-due water bill | Local water provider | Payment plan, hardship aid, bill credit, or leak adjustment | There is no single statewide water-payment program. |
Colorado LEAP for winter heating costs
The official LEAP page explains Colorado’s seasonal heating-assistance program. LEAP can pay part of a household’s primary heating cost when the household meets financial and program rules. Payment usually goes to the heating vendor, not directly to the applicant.
Colorado accepts applications from November 1 through April 30. As of July 16, 2026, regular applications are closed. The next season is expected to follow the same dates, but confirm the opening and new income chart before applying.
During an open season, a household can apply through Colorado PEAK, request a paper application by calling HEAT HELP, or work with a county human services office. LEAP does not require an interview.
Latest posted income guide
The table below is the final posted guide for the 2025-2026 season. It is useful for planning only. Colorado may publish different limits for the next season.
| Household size | Maximum gross monthly income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,607 |
| 2 | $4,717 |
| 3 | $5,827 |
| 4 | $6,938 |
| 5 | $8,048 |
| 6 | $9,158 |
| 7 | $9,366 |
| 8 | $9,574 |
| Each extra person | +$208 |
The household generally must pay heating costs directly to a utility or fuel company, or pay heat through rent. Heat included in rent may count when the home is not subsidized and the required proof is provided.
Colorado says most complete non-emergency applications are processed within 10 to 25 days during the season. A qualifying heating emergency may be handled in about 10 days. These are program estimates, not promised deadlines.
Keep paying what you can
LEAP tells applicants to continue paying the bill while a decision is pending. Ask the utility for a payment arrangement instead of waiting silently for program payment.
Energy Outreach Colorado bill and heating help
EOC bill assistance may help an income-qualified household that has a past-due heating or electric bill, has been disconnected, or is low on delivered fuel. The bill must normally be paid directly to a utility or fuel provider.
The EOC program year runs from October 1 through September 30. Local agencies can have different appointment methods and may stop taking applications when their funds run low. Call before traveling and bring a photo ID and the current past-due bill.
A household generally cannot receive help for the same bill from more than one EOC partner during the same program year. If one partner cannot serve you, ask whether another agency can review the case or whether the bill is already marked as assisted.
Broken furnace or main heater
The heating repair program may repair or replace an inoperable primary heating system for a qualifying LEAP-approved household. It does not pay for portable heaters. Call 1-855-4-MY-HEAT (1-855-469-4328) for current instructions.
PIPP and utility affordability programs
The Percent of Income Payment Plan is designed to limit a qualifying household’s total gas or electric bills to 6% of yearly income. Enrollment requires a referral or application path and a review by the participating utility.
The old Colorado Public Utilities Commission Utility Bill Help form is no longer a current path. The closed program notice says that form permanently closed on May 31, 2026 and directs customers to Energy Outreach Colorado.
Utility-specific programs can include payment arrangements, budget billing, affordability discounts, medical protections, and efficiency work. Start with the company named on the bill:
- Xcel energy assistance lists payment plans, affordability programs, medical help, and income-qualified efficiency services.
- Black Hills assistance lists payment arrangements, medical extensions, Black Hills Cares, and other resources.
- Atmos bill assistance explains installment plans, PIPP, and energy-assistance referrals.
- CNG payment assistance lists payment plans, medical protections, weatherization, and Energy Outreach help.
Do not assume enrollment begins as soon as you submit information. Keep checking the account and ask the utility to explain any amount due during the review.
Shutoff notices and medical protection
This section is general information, not legal advice. Colorado Public Utilities Commission rules mainly cover regulated investor-owned utilities. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives may use different procedures.
For regulated electric service, the current electric shutoff rule generally requires at least 15 days’ written notice before disconnection for nonpayment. The notice must explain payment-plan, dispute, complaint, and medical-emergency rights.
A qualifying written medical certificate can postpone disconnection for up to 90 days when loss of service would worsen or create a medical emergency for the customer or a permanent household member. The protection may be used once in a 12-month period. It delays shutoff; it does not erase the balance.
If the utility will not explain the notice or follow an agreement, contact the Colorado utility regulator or file a complaint after first trying to resolve the issue with the company.
Weatherization and lower future bills
Colorado’s Weatherization Assistance Program provides free energy audits and approved energy-saving work for qualifying low-income households. Possible work may include air sealing, insulation, furnace safety work, lighting, and other measures chosen after the audit.
Homeowners and renters may apply. A renter may need the property owner’s written approval before work begins. The program does not guarantee every requested repair or appliance.
Energy Outreach Colorado also runs the CARE efficiency program in participating counties and utility areas. Ask whether the home fits CARE, state weatherization, or a utility program.
When housing conditions are unsafe or a landlord will not address serious problems, use ASMOM’s Colorado housing guide and Colorado legal guide for separate help paths.
Water bill help by city or provider
LEAP is mainly for home heating, so water debt usually needs a local program. Call the provider on the bill and ask about a payment plan, hardship fund, bill credit, leak adjustment, or partner agency.
| Provider or area | Current starting point | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Water | Denver account help | Customer Care can discuss payment options and one-time assistance. Call 303-893-2444. |
| Aurora Water | Aurora Water Cares | Limited-income customers can apply through the water customer portal. |
| Colorado Springs Utilities | Colorado Springs help | Options include payment support, Project COPE, weatherization, and some repair programs. |
| Fort Collins Utilities | Fort Collins assistance | The city works with local partners on bill payment and efficiency help. |
| Greeley Water | Greeley utility help | Qualifying households may receive a one-time water-bill credit through the city program. |
If your provider is not listed, call 211 and your city or district directly. Local programs can have short application windows or limited funds.
Documents and information to gather
Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to build a simple application folder.
| Information | Possible proof | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Utility account | Full current bill and account number | Shows provider, service address, balance, and due date. |
| Urgency | Shutoff notice or low-fuel statement | Helps the agency understand the deadline. |
| Identity | Photo ID or another accepted record | Programs must confirm the applicant. |
| Household | Names, birth dates, Social Security numbers when requested | Household size affects financial eligibility. |
| Income | Pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment, or self-employment records | Most programs review recent gross household income. |
| Housing | Lease, rent receipt, or landlord statement | Needed when heat is included in rent or the account is not in your name. |
| Medical need | Utility’s certificate completed by an approved health professional | Required for a medical shutoff postponement. |
If another bill is using the money needed for utilities, check ASMOM’s Colorado SNAP guide, Colorado TANF guide, and Colorado child care guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the closed PUC form. The old Utility Bill Help referral form permanently closed May 31, 2026.
- Waiting for shutoff day. Local aid may require an appointment, referral, or document review.
- Applying only to LEAP. LEAP is seasonal and focuses on heating, while water and year-round energy debt need other paths.
- Stopping all payments. Keep an affordable payment arrangement when possible while assistance is reviewed.
- Sending incomplete images. Include every page, account number, name, date, and bill amount.
- Assuming medical protection clears debt. It gives time; the balance and payment plan still need attention.
If assistance is denied, delayed, or unavailable
Read the notice or ask for the reason in writing. Common issues include a closed season, missing proof, income above the limit, an unsupported bill type, duplicate aid for the same bill, or exhausted local funding.
- Missing proof: Ask exactly what is missing, what substitute is accepted, and the final date to send it.
- LEAP decision: Follow the appeal instructions and deadline on the notice. The CDHS appeals office explains the general state hearing process.
- EOC agency has no funds: Call HEAT HELP and ask whether another partner serves the ZIP code.
- Utility dispute: Ask for a supervisor, save the account notes, then contact the PUC when the company is regulated by the state.
- Water denial: Ask the provider about another hardship fund, payment arrangement, or leak review.
Use ASMOM’s benefits problem guide to organize notices and calls. The Community Action guide may help you find another local agency.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
Hello, my account is past due and the notice lists a shutoff date of [date]. What exact payment or agreement will stop disconnection today? I am also applying for assistance. Please tell me about payment plans, medical protection, and any affordability program.
Calling HEAT HELP
Hello, I live in ZIP code [ZIP] and need help with a [gas, electric, propane, or other fuel] bill. My service is [past due, disconnected, or low on fuel]. Which agency is currently accepting applications, and what documents should I bring?
Calling about LEAP
Hello, I want to prepare for the next LEAP season. My primary heat is [type], and [I pay the bill directly or heat is included in rent]. When can I apply, which income guide applies, and what proof will be required?
Calling a water provider
Hello, I am behind on my water bill. Do you offer a payment plan, hardship fund, bill credit, leak adjustment, or local partner referral? Please tell me the deadline and the documents needed.
Resumen en español
Colorado tiene varios programas de ayuda con servicios públicos. LEAP ayuda con una parte de la calefacción durante la temporada de noviembre a abril. La temporada 2025-2026 terminó el 30 de abril de 2026. Para ayuda actual, llame al 1-866-HEAT-HELP, a su compañía y al 211.
Energy Outreach Colorado puede ayudar con algunas facturas vencidas de gas, electricidad o combustible. PIPP puede limitar las facturas de gas y electricidad al 6% del ingreso anual para algunos hogares que califican. La compañía debe revisar la elegibilidad.
Si una condición médica empeora sin servicio, pregunte por un certificado médico. Puede retrasar el corte hasta 90 días con una compañía regulada, pero no elimina la deuda.
Para agua, llame al proveedor que aparece en la factura. Pregunte por un plan de pago, fondo de emergencia, ajuste por fuga o programa local.
FAQ
Is Colorado LEAP open now?
No. The 2025-2026 regular season ended April 30, 2026. Colorado normally accepts applications from November 1 through April 30. Confirm the next opening and income limits before applying.
Can LEAP pay my whole utility bill?
Usually not. LEAP pays part of qualifying winter heating costs. The amount depends on household income, heating costs, program funding, and other factors.
What replaced Colorado Utility Bill Help?
The old PUC Utility Bill Help form permanently closed May 31, 2026. The state notice directs customers to Energy Outreach Colorado for bill assistance and PIPP referrals.
What is Colorado PIPP?
PIPP is an affordability program that can limit total gas or electric bills to 6% of yearly household income for qualifying customers of participating utilities.
Can a medical certificate stop shutoff?
For a qualifying customer of a PUC-regulated utility, a medical certificate may postpone disconnection for up to 90 days. It does not forgive the balance.
Where can I get help with a water bill?
Call the provider listed on the bill and ask about payment plans, hardship aid, bill credits, and leak adjustments. Colorado water assistance is usually local.
Last updated: July 16, 2026. Next review: October 16, 2026.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.