January 23, 2026 - The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is encouraging consumers to be prepared for extreme cold weather that is forecasted beginning today through the weekend. 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.
Tips to Save Energy & Money During Cold Weather:
Lowering your thermostat a few degrees and these tips will help to save on energy:
- Lower your thermostat - During winter months, set the thermostat between 65-70 degrees while you're home, and 58 degrees when you're away. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your routine and could help you save on heating costs.
- Let the sunlight in and keep the cold out - Open blinds to take advantage of the sun's warmth during the day but close them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
- Make sure exterior doors are fully closed - A major source of a home’s heat loss is from exterior doors that are left cracked open or not latched.
- Use fans to your advantage - During colder months, run ceiling fans clockwise, so the warm air near the ceiling is forced down.
- Keep your oven's heat where it belongs - Use your oven light or timer to avoid opening it often while you cook; each time the door is opened even for just a few seconds, the temperature drops 25 degrees.
- Lower your water heater's temperature or insulate it - The proper temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. By lowering it 10 degrees, you can save 3-5% on your water heating costs; you can also insulate it to maximize efficiency.
- Keep filters clean - Dirty furnace filters reduce airflow, requiring your furnace to work harder and use more energy.
- Change the filter once a month during the winter to reduce your heating costs by 5-15%.
- Don't let the heat escape - Affordable window sealing kits can be found in most local home improvement stores and can help you save. Have your home evaluated for leaky ducts, drafts around doors and windows, fireplace dampers and other places where air might escape.
- Improve insulation - Improving the insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors and heating ducts is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs, saving you up to 10% on your monthly energy bill.
Tips to Stay Safe
- Clear snow and ice around outdoor vents, meters, and flues to prevent blockages. Use a broom, not a shovel, to gently remove snow around gas equipment and avoid causing damage.
- Check proper ventilation in enclosed spaces and never use gas ovens or stovetops as a primary heat source.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of your home and test the batteries regularly. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure (headache, dizziness, nausea), leave your home immediately and call emergency services.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food, and necessary medications.
- Watch for gas leaks and familiarize yourself with the smell of natural gas (similar to rotten eggs). If you detect this odor, avoid using electronic devices, including phones or light switches. Leave the area on foot immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
Utility Contact Information
Contact your provider if you have questions about being prepared for winter weather, your energy bill, energy savings, energy efficiency programs, and for assistance if you have issues paying your bill.
Additionally, the PUC’s Utility Bill Help Program refers income-qualified Colorado residents to gas and electric bill assistance programs to help pay their utility bills. These programs are run by Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Colorado Natural Gas, and Xcel Energy. Once applicants are referred by UBH, eligibility and final benefits are determined by their utility company.
Consumers can find numerous energy rebates and incentives available through the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator tool. This easy to use tool connects homeowners and renters to hundreds of rebates and bill saving programs.