Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Colorado

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you clear steps to stop shutoffs, lower bills, and find real help fast. It links directly to Colorado state agencies, federal programs, utilities, and trusted nonprofits so you can apply today, not tomorrow. You’ll see who to call, what to say, and what to send. Keep this page open while you call.

Colorado Low‑income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) • Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) • Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) • Utility Bill Help Program (UBH) • LIHEAP federal info. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

• Call your utility now: Ask for a payment arrangement, due‑date extension, and to note “medical/emergency hardship” on your account; use these numbers—Xcel 1-800-895-4999, Black Hills Energy 1-888-890-5554, Colorado Springs Utilities 1-719-448-4800; request written confirmation by email or text and ask about shutoff protections during cold (≤32°F) or hot (≥95°F) forecasts. Xcel Energy • Black Hills Energy • Colorado Springs Utilities. (parallel.xcelenergy.com)
• Apply for EOC emergency energy help today: Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) and ask to be connected to a local agency for same‑week bill payment assistance; tell them if you have a shutoff notice, are disconnected, or are nearly out of propane. Energy Outreach Colorado—Bill Payment Assistance • Find a local EOC agency • EOC programs. (energyoutreach.org)
• Request a medical postponement if anyone in your home is medically vulnerable: Ask your provider for a “medical certificate” hold (up to 90 days once per 12 months) and get your doctor’s office to fax or email the certificate within 10 days. Colorado disconnection rule 4 CCR 723‑3‑3407 • PUC consumer guidance • Colorado Natural Gas medical policy example. (law.cornell.edu)

Quick Help Box — Keep These Five at Your Fingertips

• PUC Utility Bill Help (UBH): 303-869-0380; caps some bills at 6% of income for qualifying customers of Xcel, Black Hills, Atmos, and Colorado Natural Gas through 08/30/2025; apply online or by mail. UBH details • PUC affordability page • DORA Help Center. (puc.colorado.gov)
• Colorado Energy Savings Navigator: Screen in 10 minutes for rebates, repairs, and bill help across 500+ programs; free and anonymous. Energy Savings Navigator • Emergency pathways on Navigator • EOC crisis repair (CIP) via Navigator. (puc.colorado.gov)
• 2‑1‑1 Colorado: Call 2‑1‑1 or text your ZIP to 898‑211 for local water help, charity grants, and same‑week appointments near you. 2‑1‑1 Colorado • State Housing resources pointing to 2‑1‑1 • Denver’s CARE Center for TRUA status. (211colorado.org)
• Weatherization (no‑cost home upgrades): Apply for insulation, air sealing, and safety fixes; start at the Colorado Energy Office or EOC’s CARE program. Colorado Weatherization Assistance Program • WAP FAQs • EOC CARE. (energyoffice.colorado.gov)
• PTC Rebate (Property Tax/Rent/Heat): Seniors and people with disabilities can get up to $1,154 in 2025; file DR 0104PTC. Colorado DOR—PTC Rebate • PTC form DR 0104PTC • PTC booklet. (tax.colorado.gov)

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Colorado Today

Start with the fastest actions that pause shutoff and open doors to aid. Ask the utility about shutoff protections tied to weather forecasts, medical needs, and same‑day reconnection rules, then layer bill‑pay help.

• Use Colorado’s weather‑based protections: Utilities must postpone shutoff when the National Weather Service forecast between 6:00–9:00 a.m. predicts ≤32°F in the next 24 hours in your area; they must also postpone when ≥95°F is forecast. PUC rule 4 CCR 723‑3‑3407 • PUC cold‑weather advisory • LIHEAP Clearinghouse hot/cold listings. (casetext.com)
• Ask for a medical certificate hold: Your doctor or prescribing practitioner can send a certificate that delays shutoff for up to 90 days, once every 12 months; utilities must accept a phone notice first, then get the signed form within 10 days. Colorado rule text • DORA consumer advisory • Statute cross‑reference. (casetext.com)
• Know no‑shutoff days and speedy reconnections: Utilities can’t shut you off on Fridays, weekends, or state/federal holidays, and must reconnect same‑day in certain cases if you set a plan or pay per policy. C.R.S. 40‑3‑103.6 • FindLaw summary • PUC consumer protections. (colorado.public.law)

What to do if this doesn’t work: escalate to the PUC Consumer Affairs line at 1-800-456-0858 for help with investor‑owned utilities, file a complaint online, and call 2‑1‑1 for local charity grants to cover the minimum needed to restore service. PUC Consumer Affairs • PUC complaint info • 2‑1‑1 Colorado. (dora.colorado.gov)

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Colorado’s Main Energy Bill Programs (Amounts, Dates, and How to Apply)

The programs below pay a portion of your bill, prevent shutoff, or repair heating equipment. Apply for more than one program—programs often stack and different funds cover different costs.

LEAP — Low‑income Energy Assistance Program (heating bill help)

LEAP pays part of winter heating costs and can fix a broken furnace through its Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). For the 2024‑25 season, applications ran Nov 1, 2024–Apr 30, 2025, with benefits between $200and$1,000; non‑emergency processing typically takes 10–25 days. Colorado LEAP • LEAP season and amounts via UCA • EOC “How to apply for LEAP” guide. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

• Eligibility: Up to 60% of State Median Income (SMI); you must pay for heat (directly or as part of rent) and reside in Colorado; proof of lawful presence may be needed if born outside the U.S. LEAP eligibility & income table • LIHEAP federal profile for CO • LIHEAP state contact map. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• How to apply: Online in PEAK, by phone at 1‑866‑HEAT‑HELP, or by mail/email to the LEAP processing center; crisis cases may be expedited in ~10 days. LEAP “How to apply” with checklist • Denver’s LEAP submission options • Weld County LEAP info. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Crisis Intervention Program (CIP): Year‑round help to repair or replace your primary heating system (owner‑occupied homes); call 1‑866‑HEAT‑HELP or 1‑855‑FOR‑MY‑HEAT (1‑855‑469‑4328). CIP on state LEAP page • Pueblo CIP info • Grand County note on year‑round CIP. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• How much to expect: Benefit depends on income, fuel, and usage; funds are paid to your fuel/utility vendor. Expect a letter with the amount and vendor once approved. LEAP FAQ with processing times • UCA overview with benefit range • EOC press reminder with $200–$1,000 range. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: apply for EOC Bill Payment Assistance (below), and check UBH if you’re with Xcel, Black Hills, Atmos, or Colorado Natural Gas; also consider no‑cost Weatherization to cut bills. EOC bill help • UBH program • Colorado WAP. (energyoutreach.org)

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) — Emergency bill payment

EOC funds local agencies that can often help within days if you have a past‑due bill, shutoff notice, disconnection, or low fuel; call 1‑866‑HEAT‑HELP and bring your ID and bill; you can get help once per program year (Oct 1–Sep 30). EOC bill payment assistance • Find an EOC agency • EOC programs. (energyoutreach.org)

• Note for Xcel customers (2025): EOC’s direct Xcel assistance is temporarily paused until October 1, 2025; you can pre‑qualify with Xcel’s income‑based program (PIPP) for credits and possible arrears forgiveness. EOC agency finder notice for Xcel • Xcel customer service • PUC UBH as a bridge. (energyoutreach.org)
• Crisis furnace repair via EOC: If your heat is out, EOC coordinates CIP repairs or replacement through certified contractors; call 1‑866‑HEAT‑HELP for coordination. EOC Get Help • PUC Navigator—broken heat • State LEAP CIP link. (energyoutreach.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your agency about other funders (Salvation Army, United Way) and request a hold from your utility while you wait; if you’re with Xcel or Black Hills, apply to UBH to cap bills at 6% of income while you stabilize. Salvation Army Connection Center • UBH program page • 2‑1‑1 Colorado. (salvationarmyusa.org)

Utility Bill Help Program (UBH) — Bill capping for investor‑owned utilities

UBH screens income‑qualified households served by Xcel, Black Hills, Atmos, or Colorado Natural Gas, then refers you to your utility’s program that can cap your combined gas/electric bills at ~6% of your income; open through August 30, 2025. UBH program • PUC affordability page • PUC press notice. (puc.colorado.gov)

• Who should apply: Families receiving SNAP, AND, Medicaid, CHP+, WIC, TANF, or SSI; those denied LEAP can still qualify. UBH qualifications • Program window • UCA low‑income resources. (puc.colorado.gov)
• How to apply: Submit the quick online form (English/Español) or mail to PUC, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202; call 303‑869‑0380 with questions. UBH online and paper apps • DORA Help Center • PUC contact. (puc.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: proceed to EOC, ask your utility for an affordability program or long‑term plan, and request a medical or weather hold if at risk of shutoff. EOC agency finder • Black Hills Affordability (BHEAP) • Colorado disconnection rules. (energyoutreach.org)

Weatherization — Permanent fixes to lower bills

Weatherization can add insulation, seal drafts, and repair unsafe systems at no cost if you qualify; measures can cut bills for years and ease shutoff risk. Colorado Energy Office WAP • WAP service provider locator • EOC CARE income‑qualified upgrades. (energyoffice.colorado.gov)

• Eligibility and wait times: Qualified if you receive LEAP, SNAP, TANF, or meet income limits; expect wait times that vary by county and funding cycle. WAP income and notes • WAP FAQs • CARE participating utilities. (energyoffice.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: re‑screen with the Energy Savings Navigator, then ask your city utility about local upgrade rebates. Navigator • Fort Collins Utilities efficiency + PAF • Longmont Efficiency Works. (puc.colorado.gov)

Energy EBT — $21 one‑time to certain SNAP households (automatic)

Colorado launched “Energy EBT” in March 2025: eligible SNAP households who did not receive LEAP in the past 12 months get a single $21 credit to support energy costs and boost their SNAP utility allowance. No application is needed. CDHS Energy EBT • Colorado EBT info • County SNAP contacts via DHS. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: since it’s automatic, call 1‑800‑536‑5298 if you think you qualified but didn’t get it, and apply for LEAP next season to unlock more aid. CDHS Energy EBT contact • LEAP program • LIHEAP federal info. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

Quick Comparison Table — Colorado Utility Help Programs

Sources: CDHS LEAP • EOC • PUC UBH • CEO WAP • EOC CARE. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

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Eligibility Rules and Income Limits (LEAP 2024–2025)

LEAP uses 60% of Colorado’s State Median Income; this table shows monthly limits by household size used for the 2024‑25 season; new limits will publish in October 2025 for the 2025‑26 season. CDHS LEAP eligibility • LIHEAP Colorado profile (2025) • LEAP FAQ. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

Note: benefit amounts vary by heating fuel, usage, and funding; plan for 10–25 business days for non‑crisis processing; crisis cases may be expedited. LEAP processing times • UCA summary • EOC LEAP explainer. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

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What Colorado Law Says About Shutoffs, Holds, and Reconnections

Colorado strengthened protections so families can avoid dangerous shutoffs and get reconnected faster. Know these three points when you call.

• Weather holds: No shutoffs when forecast ≤32°F (winter) or ≥95°F (summer) in the next 24 hours; utilities may extend holds when crews aren’t available to restore service. PUC rule text • PUC winter advisory • LIHEAP Clearinghouse confirmations. (casetext.com)
• Medical postponement: A licensed Colorado physician or prescribing practitioner can certify that shutoff would worsen or cause a medical emergency; that holds disconnection for up to 90 days once in 12 months, with phone notice allowed pending the written certificate. Rule 3407 medical certificate • DORA consumer advisory • Statute reference. (casetext.com)
• No Friday/weekend/holiday shutoffs + same‑day reconnect: Providers can’t disconnect on Fridays, weekends, or holidays; if you pay or set a plan per policy on a weekday, they must reconnect the same day under stated conditions. C.R.S. 40‑3‑103.6 • PUC consumer page • DORA consumer utilities. (codes.findlaw.com)

Reality check: municipal utilities and rural electric co‑ops may follow similar policies but some rules apply mainly to investor‑owned utilities; always ask your provider to explain their policy in writing. DORA utilities overview • PUC rulemaking notes • UCA resource page. (dora.colorado.gov)

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Water and Wastewater Bill Help (Colorado Examples You Can Use)

Water help is local. Many cities run hardship funds or partner with 2‑1‑1 agencies. Call your water utility’s billing line and ask for “hardship” or “customer assistance” programs, then confirm the rules by email.

• Denver Water customers: Keep balances below $100 to avoid shutoff; call 303‑893‑2444 to discuss payment options; for hardship aid, Denver Water partners with 2‑1‑1. Denver Water—catch up notice • 2‑1‑1 Colorado • Denver Water automated payment info. (denverwater.org)
• Aurora Water (Aurora Water Cares): Grants for bills if you send ID, income proof, and recent bill; apply via SpryEngage or printable forms; call 303‑739‑7388 for help. Aurora Water Cares • Aurora billing contact • Aurora fees/policy page. (auroragov.org)
• Colorado Springs Utilities (water, electric, gas): Project COPE gives emergency grants through partner agencies to prevent shutoff; reach CSU at 719‑448‑4800 to set a plan. Project COPE overview • CSU community page • KRDO coverage of COPE support. (projectcopecs.org)
• Fort Collins Utilities: Payment Assistance Fund (PAF) through local nonprofits; one grant per 12 months if funds are available; separate Utilities Emergency Fund offers up to $500. PAF request page • Utilities Emergency Fund • PAF donation/overview. (fcgov.com)
• Pueblo Water: CARES Program gives up to $125 once per 12 months (up to three lifetime) for delinquent bills; call 719‑584‑0250. Pueblo Water assistance • Pueblo Water contacts • Pueblo messages. (pueblowater.org)
• Greeley: City’s LIFT + UP provides a $100/personfoodtaxrebateand$150 water bill credit for low‑income households; apply Feb–May each year. Greeley rate notice with assistance • LIFT/UP press release • Greeley contact. (greeleyco.gov)
• Longmont: COPE grants via OUR Center when all other options are exhausted; Longmont CAReS offers broader utility discounts and rebates. Longmont COPE • Longmont CAReS • Longmont billing & life‑support discount. (longmontcolorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: call 2‑1‑1 to locate the nearest water hardship fund, ask your city if they offer budget billing to spread summer irrigation costs, and request late‑fee waivers after you set a payment plan. 2‑1‑1 Colorado • Denver Water payment options • Aurora billing policy page. (211colorado.org)

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Utility‑Specific Tips and Discounts (Energy Providers)

Your provider may offer payment extensions, budget billing, medical rate discounts, or income‑based credits. Ask for every option and get the terms in writing.

• Xcel Energy (Front Range, mountain towns): Call 1‑800‑895‑4999 to set payment plans; apply for medical rate relief through the Colorado Medical Exemption Program (CMEP) if you use life‑support equipment or have a qualifying condition; Xcel’s income‑based programs may be accessible via UBH in 2025. Xcel Energy—assistance options • CMEP medical exemption • UBH program. (parallel.xcelenergy.com)
• Black Hills Energy (Pueblo/Southeast CO): Customer line 1‑888‑890‑5554; Black Hills Energy Affordability Program (BHEAP) requires LEAP participation or eligible income; may require budget billing. BHEAP program • CO assistance landing page • LIHEAP Clearinghouse utility programs. (blackhillsenergy.com)
• Colorado Springs Utilities: Ask about Project COPE and payment plans; note that CSU is a municipal utility and policies can differ from investor‑owned utilities. CSU—Project COPE • COPE program site • COPE donations/news. (csu.org)
• Fort Collins Utilities (municipal): Pair a Utilities Emergency Fund application with a PAF request through local agencies; call 970‑212‑2900 for payment plans. Utilities Emergency Fund • PAF request • PAF donation/overview. (fcgov.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: contact the PUC Consumer Affairs line for investor‑owned utilities, or your City Council/utility board for municipal utilities; ask the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate for guidance on your next steps. DORA utilities help • UCA complaint routing • UCA overview. (dora.colorado.gov)

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Required Documents for Most Applications (Energy and Water)

Bring copies—not originals—and label each page with your name, case number (if any), and last four of SSN. Keep a folder with everything you submit.

Use the LEAP checklist to avoid 10–25 day delays due to missing info; EOC agencies also require ID and the past‑due bill. LEAP application checklist • EOC how to apply • Boulder County LEAP guidance (processing time). (cdhs.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: call the HEAT HELP line to check status, ask what is missing, and resend documents the same day by email; keep your confirmation email or ticket number. LEAP HEAT HELP—check status • Denver LEAP contacts • Weld LEAP emergency phone. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

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County‑Specific Variations You Should Know

Different counties add local help or have local intake rules. Here are notable differences that affect utility aid.

• Denver (TRUA): In 2025, TRUA opens the portal the third Tuesday monthly and uses random selection; you can’t apply for standalone utility help—utility aid comes with rent aid; call or text 303‑838‑1200 for the CARE Center. TRUA 2025 rules • TRUA updates/calendar • TRUA 2024 reopen article. (denvergov.org)
• Boulder County: The county posts LEAP fax/email details and notes state processing can take up to 50 days if applications are incomplete; continue paying while you wait. Boulder County LEAP • Spanish LEAP page • LEAP HEAT HELP. (bouldercounty.gov)
• El Paso County/Colorado Springs: EOC funds do not cover Colorado Springs Utilities accounts; apply through Project COPE agencies such as Mercy’s Gate; during LEAP season you may need a LEAP decision first. Mercy’s Gate guidance • Project COPE site • EOC note on CSU. (mercysgatecs.org)
• Weld County: LEAP processing is handled by Goodwill of Southern & Western Colorado; emergencies can apply by phone at 1‑866‑HEAT‑HELP. Weld LEAP page • LEAP HEAT HELP • UCA resource. (weld.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: file a PUC complaint if you can’t reach an agreement with an investor‑owned utility, and ask your city council or water board member for help if your provider is municipal. PUC consumer complaint info • DORA utilities help • UCA file‑a‑comment. (content.govdelivery.com)

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Diverse Communities: Tailored Tips and Links

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for privacy flags when discussing safety risks or name changes with your utility; the CMEP medical rate program can lower summer electric costs if you or your child relies on medical equipment; use 2‑1‑1 to find affirming local partners and rental‑utility bundles if you’re between homes. Xcel/Black Hills CMEP • 2‑1‑1 Colorado • PUC UBH. (parallel.xcelenergy.com)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask the provider to mark “medical certification pending” while your clinic prepares the certificate to delay shutoff up to 90 days; call your CCB/case manager (for developmental disability waivers) or Rocky Mountain Human Services for support letters; connect to CCDC for advocacy. Medical certificate rule • RMHS contacts • Colorado Cross‑Disability Coalition. (casetext.com)
• Veteran single mothers: The VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) can pay past‑due utilities as part of homelessness prevention; call your local SSVF grantee and ask for “temporary financial assistance for utilities.” VA SSVF—Supportive Services • SSVF program overview • SSVF program services. (va.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: LEAP requires proof of lawful presence for heads of household born outside the U.S., but many local EOC agencies can still help with energy bills regardless of status; ask for language interpretation and large‑print forms when needed. LEAP eligibility notes • EOC bill help via agencies • DORA Help Center—language access. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: Households on or near Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute lands may access Tribal energy programs and local environmental/utility offices; pair Tribal help with EOC or UBH when eligible. Ute Mountain Ute Environmental Programs • Southern Ute Tribe—program updates • LIHEAP Tribal resources. (utemountainuteenvironmental.org)
• Rural single moms: Ask propane dealers for “keep‑full” plans and emergency drops funded by EOC; check county weatherization waitlists and ask about priority for high energy burden zip codes; use Navigator to find rebates for efficient space heaters or insulation. EOC emergency fuel • CEO WAP providers list • Energy Savings Navigator. (energyoutreach.org)
• Single fathers and kin caregivers: All programs listed are household‑based; the head of household can be any adult paying utilities; ask your county human services office for help with forms or scanning. CDHS LEAP • Denver Human Services locations • 2‑1‑1 Colorado. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Language access and accessibility: Ask for translated materials, TTY/Relay 711, and large‑print or e‑signature forms; utilities and agencies must offer reasonable accommodations. DORA Help Center • LEAP language/access notes • Denver DHS language and disability access. (dora.colorado.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing documents or unsigned pages: Double‑check every field and signature; incomplete LEAP applications delay processing by 10–25 days. LEAP checklist • Boulder LEAP timing note • EOC application tips. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Stopping payments while waiting: Keep paying what you can; arrears grow fast and can block reconnection. LEAP FAQ—keep paying • PUC consumer advisory • DORA utility scam alerts. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Not asking for a medical/weather hold: A quick phone notice from your clinic can pause a shutoff while paperwork follows. Rule 3407 medical section • PUC winter weather notice • LIHEAP disconnect references. (casetext.com)

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Reality Check

Funding comes and goes; popular programs pause or run out near season’s end; always ask about waitlists and alternative funds. EOC’s direct Xcel aid pauses until Oct 1, 2025; Denver’s TRUA no longer allows standalone utility applications; Black Hills rates and assistance fees may adjust mid‑year. EOC Xcel pause notice • TRUA 2025 rules • Black Hills Energy filings. (energyoutreach.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Heat/electric shutoff risk today: Ask for weather/medical holds and a same‑day plan; call EOC at 1‑866‑HEAT‑HELP and your utility. PUC rule • EOC emergency help • Xcel assistance page. (law.cornell.edu)
• Next 30 days: File LEAP (in season) and UBH; ask about budget billing and affordability discounts; schedule weatherization. LEAP • UBH • WAP/CARE. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Water bill trouble: Call your city utility’s hardship fund (Aurora Water Cares, Project COPE, PAF) and 2‑1‑1 for local assistance. Aurora Water Cares • Project COPE • Fort Collins PAF. (auroragov.org)

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Application Checklist You Can Screenshot

• Photo ID: CO ID or other photo ID, front and back scanned. LEAP checklist • Denver LEAP options • EOC what to bring. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Utility bill: Most recent bill or disconnect notice with account number clear. LEAP FAQ • UBH app—utility info • PAF documentation. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Proof you pay for heat: Bill or lease showing “heat included.” LEAP eligibility • UCA overview • EOC guide. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Income for last 30 days: Pay stubs, benefits letters, or P&L if self‑employed. LEAP checklist • WAP eligibility • UBH qualifications. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Household info: Names, birthdates, SSNs if requested. LEAP application checklist • County LEAP contacts • 2‑1‑1 help finding intake sites. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

These groups often have small grants or can fast‑track EOC funds. Always call ahead to confirm funding.

• Salvation Army—Connection Center (Denver Metro): Utility help processed via EOC funds and local corps; limited Aurora water utility support. Salvation Army Connection Center • EOC agency finder • 2‑1‑1 Colorado. (salvationarmyusa.org)
• Mercy’s Gate (Colorado Springs): Project COPE intake and EOC‑funded assistance for non‑CSU providers; random drawing system for appointments. Mercy’s Gate utilities page • Project COPE • CSU community page. (mercysgatecs.org)
• Catholic Charities (Larimer County): Fort Collins PAF intake; many locations across Colorado provide EOC aid by appointment. Fort Collins PAF agencies • EOC agency search • 2‑1‑1 directory. (fcgov.com)

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Resources by Region (Selected Contacts)

Sources: PUC UBH • Denver Water • CSU/COPE • Fort Collins Utilities • Black Hills Energy. (puc.colorado.gov)

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Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for LEAP (During Season)

1. Gather documents: ID, bill, income for last 30 days, lease or proof of heat in rent, and lawful presence if needed. LEAP checklist • Boulder LEAP submission methods • HEAT HELP line. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
2. Apply online or by phone: Use Colorado PEAK or call 1‑866‑HEAT‑HELP (emergencies only by phone). LEAP apply • Denver LEAP routes • Weld LEAP info. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
3. Keep paying and check status: Expect 10–25 business days for non‑crisis; crisis may be expedited in ~10 days; call to check status and submit missing items. LEAP processing times • UCA summary • EOC LEAP help. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: apply for EOC, and if with Xcel/Black Hills/Atmos/CNG, submit UBH; for broken furnaces, call CIP via HEAT HELP. EOC emergency help • UBH • CIP via LEAP. (energyoutreach.org)

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Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

• Ask for the exact reason in writing: Denials usually cite missing documents or income limits; request a list of what fixes it. LEAP FAQ • DORA utilities help • UCA resources. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Reapply or submit corrections fast: Many agencies let you cure a denial by sending the missing item; email scans to get a ticket number. LEAP contacts • Denver LEAP email/fax • Weld LEAP options. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Bridge help while you fix it: Ask your utility for a one‑time payment arrangement, apply for EOC, and request a weather/medical hold if needed. EOC agency finder • PUC weather/medical rules • UBH. (energyoutreach.org)

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Five Real‑World Examples (What Works)

• Aurora mom with $420 past‑due water: She applied to Aurora Water Cares online, emailed proof of income and ID, and got a grant credited to her account; she also set up budget billing. Aurora Water Cares • Aurora billing policy • 2‑1‑1 for other aid. (auroragov.org)
• Colorado Springs mom facing shutoff: CSU account not eligible for EOC, so she booked Project COPE intake at Mercy’s Gate and got a one‑time grant; CSU set a 3‑month plan. Project COPE • Mercy’s Gate details • CSU contact. (projectcopecs.org)
• Greeley renter behind on water/electric: She filed for Greeley UP ($150 water credit) and received EOC aid for Xcel arrears; she then applied to UBH to cap bills. Greeley LIFT/UP • EOC bill help • UBH. (greeleygov.com)
• Fort Collins single mom with $600 past due: She called Catholic Charities for PAF, got a one‑time credit, and applied to the Utilities Emergency Fund for the remainder. PAF request • Utilities Emergency Fund • 2‑1‑1 backup. (fcgov.com)
• Pueblo homeowner with dead furnace: She qualified for LEAP and CIP, got a replacement furnace arranged through EOC coordination. LEAP CIP • Pueblo CIP info • EOC Get Help. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

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FAQs (Colorado‑Specific)

• How do I stop an Xcel shutoff this week if I’m already scheduled?
  Ask for a medical/weather hold, set a same‑day plan, then apply to UBH; if you use life‑support equipment, apply to CMEP for medical rate relief. PUC rules • UBH • CMEP medical program. (law.cornell.edu)
• How long will LEAP take, and will it pay my whole bill?
  Most non‑emergency cases process in 10–25 days; LEAP pays a portion, usually $200–$1,000, directly to your fuel vendor. LEAP processing FAQ • UCA benefit range • EOC LEAP overview. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Is EOC help year‑round?
  Yes, but funding ebbs; if EOC is paused for your utility (like Xcel until Oct 1, 2025), use UBH and your utility’s plan. EOC agency notice • UBH • Xcel assistance page. (energyoutreach.org)
• Can I get help if heat is included in rent?
  Yes, LEAP may still help if heat is in rent and you’re not in subsidized housing; include your lease and recent rent receipt. LEAP eligibility • LEAP FAQ • UCA overview. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• What if my furnace breaks after LEAP season ends?
  CIP operates year‑round for LEAP‑eligible households; call HEAT HELP for a referral. LEAP CIP • Pueblo CIP page • Grand County CIP note. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
• Do I qualify for discounts if I have high medical electricity use?
  Yes, CMEP (Xcel/Black Hills) offers medical exemptions/discounts; apply by May 1 for Xcel’s summer discount; Black Hills has rolling intake. CMEP—Xcel • CMEP—general info • Black Hills affordability. (parallel.xcelenergy.com)
• Can veterans get utility help beyond LEAP/EOC?
  Yes, SSVF can cover utilities for eligible veteran families to prevent homelessness; call your local SSVF grantee. SSVF supportive services • SSVF services overview • SSVF program overview. (va.gov)
• Are there programs for discounted energy if my income is low but I don’t qualify for LEAP?
  Yes, UBH can cap bills for qualified customers of Xcel/Black Hills/Atmos/CNG; you can also apply for CARE home upgrades to lower usage. UBH • EOC CARE • WAP. (puc.colorado.gov)
• What about seniors or disabled adults on fixed income?
  File for the PTC Rebate (up to $1,154 in 2025) for property tax/rent/heat; pair with LEAP and EOC for winter months. DOR PTC page • PTC forms • LEAP. (tax.colorado.gov)
• Can I get help in Spanish?
  Yes—ask for interpretation on calls; LEAP and TRUA have Spanish materials; 2‑1‑1 offers multilingual support. Boulder LEAP en Español • TRUA info • 2‑1‑1 Colorado. (bouldercounty.gov)
• Is there federal funding still coming for energy help in 2025?
  Yes, HHS released remaining FY2025 LIHEAP funds in April 2025; states manage enrollments by season. HHS LIHEAP funding release • LIHEAP Clearinghouse • Colorado LEAP. (acf.gov)

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Spanish Summary (Resumen en Español)

Esta guía incluye pasos rápidos para evitar cortes y reducir facturas. Llame a su compañía de servicios y pida un plan de pago y una “suspensión médica” si alguien tiene una condición médica. Aplique a LEAP (calefacción) entre 1 de noviembre y 30 de abril; beneficios típicos $200–$1,000, procesados en 10–25 días. Use Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) para ayuda de emergencia durante todo el año llamando al 1‑866‑HEAT‑HELP. Si usted es cliente de Xcel, UBH (Programa de Ayuda de Facturas de la PUC) puede limitar sus facturas a ~6% del ingreso; también hay programas locales de agua (Aurora Water Cares, Project COPE, Fort Collins PAF). Para reparaciones/aislamiento sin costo, pida Weatherization del Estado o CARE de EOC. Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA; confirme detalles por teléfono o en los sitios oficiales: LEAP • EOC • PUC/UBH. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Colorado Department of Human Services—LEAP
• Energy Outreach Colorado
• Colorado Public Utilities Commission—UBH/Affordability
• Colorado Energy Office—WAP
• Colorado Department of Revenue—PTC Rebate

Last verified: September 2025 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance in Colorado and reflects publicly available program details as of September 2025. Always confirm current availability, eligibility, and document requirements with the program or utility before applying, because funding levels, dates, and rules can change mid‑year. Use weather/medical protections and payment plans promptly to avoid shutoff while applications are pending. PUC consumer protections • LEAP • EOC.

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