Colorado heating bill assistance.
There are really four main heating bill assistance programs in Colorado, and they include LEAP, the Property Tax, Rent, and Heat Rebate program, Energy Outreach Colorado, as well as weatherization. Get information on each of these resources below.
Energy Outreach Colorado is a leading non-profit that covers the entire state, including the cities of Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs. Most of the heating bill assistance is arranged for low income seniors, working poor, and the disabled, and funds can help people pay for their bills as well as energy conservation measures. So the goal is to provide short term help while addressing longer term challenges. This is one of the nation’s leading non-profit organizations for the low income and less fortunate, and they want to help anyone who is qualified and struggling in this weak economy.
It is important to know that many Energy Outreach programs are supported by donations and contributions from the public at large as well as local businesses. So if you can contribute, no matter how little, please do so as your money will go to help people like seniors keep their heat on. Many people who benefit would have their health at risk if they had their power disconnected during the winter.
In general, over 100,000 households are supported by heating assistance programs in Colorado every year, and the non-profit Energy Outreach plays a leading role in many of them. They provide emergency help, grants and homeless prevention services to the needy. Trained social workers, volunteers, and others participate, and they arrange in offering credits to the heating bills of customers from Excel Energy and Atmos. People need to apply at a local non-profit agency in their city, and centers are located in all cities and counties, including in Denver. Phone number is 303-825-8750.
Energy efficiency, conservation, and education is provided as well, as this is key to stability. The non-profit offers cash grants to single and multi-family residences, qualifying affordable housing organizations, and other nonprofit facilities. The money will help low income people in older and less energy efficient homes pay for energy efficiency upgrades such as Energy Star appliances, extra insulation, and lighting such as CFL bulbs. Improvements to homes have been shown to help people save hundreds of dollars per year on their energy bills, and the savings are experienced year in and year out.
The government Weatherization Program is similar to what is mentioned above, however it is paid for by the federal government. It is for low income families, many of who also receive LEAP aid. Companies such as Black Hills Energy as well as The Governor's Energy Office contribute to this. It can pay for insulation doe your floor, ceiling, and wall, heating equipment upgrades, air infiltration measures, and more.
The Property Tax, Rent, and Heat Rebate is for seniors, the disabled, or surviving spouses. The state of Colorado will distribute tax rebates for home heating payments, and state residents can apply at a Taxpayer Service Center. Phone 303-238-3278.
Families across Colorado can apply for heating assistance from LEAP. Tens of thousands of families, including those in the cities of Denver and Jefferson County, use these funds to pay their heating and natural gas bills from Atmos and Excel Energy. It is federal government funded, supervised by the state, and applications are accepted at local social service and community action agencies. It runs from November to April, is only available to qualified US Citizens, and is focused on low income families in Colorado. Click here fore more details, or call 1-866-432-8435 to apply.
|
