October 31, 2025 - Governor Polis, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) today urged Coloradans to utilize the many initiatives available to save energy, lower bills, and reduce the cost of home energy upgrades.
“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
On Nov. 1 the Federal Low Income Heating Program (also known as LEAP) begins accepting applications. LEAP provides one-time energy assistance payments of several hundred dollars to help with heating energy costs, subject to Congressional funding. An estimated 80% of eligible Coloradans don’t utilize LEAP. Through the PUC’s Utility Bill Help dashboard, Coloradans can locate utility specific bill assistance. Enrollment can limit home natural gas and electric bills to a maximum of 6% of a customer’s 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.
For two more months, federal rebates will be available for residential heat pump systems, heat pump water heaters, home weatherization, electrical panel upgrades, and home energy audits. Because these upgrades take time to schedule and install, it is important to start this process as soon as possible.
“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 customers, Nov. 1 is when new, simpler Time of Use (TOU) rates go into effect. TOU means how much a consumer pays is based upon On-Peak and Off-Peak hours. Colorado consumers are encouraged to look at their energy usage during these times to help reduce costs, and save money in the short term. Customers are always able to choose between TOU or a flat rate. Customers can look at their own data usage on Xcel Energy’s online comparison tool, to compare TOU and a flat-rate, and choose what works best for them.
“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.”
Xcel Energy customers will now have new rates and times for On-Peak, from 5 PM to 9 PM on weekdays; and Off-Peak for all other times, weekends and holidays. The TOU is designed to reflect the actual cost of operating a utility’s electric system at different times of the day and to encourage customers to reduce usage during high demand times.
Resources
Colorado Energy Savings Navigator
This online tool determines eligibility for energy assistance programs, including LEAP and the Utility Bill Help Program, and hundreds of rebates.
LEAP
The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs.
Energy Outreach Colorado
Past-Due Utility Bills or Broken Heating System: Energy Outreach Colorado's Bill Payment Assistance Program offers emergency funds to eligible Coloradans. Learn more at their website or call 1.866.HEAT.HELP (1.866.432.8435).
Time of Use Rates
TOU rates adjust the cost of electricity to the time of day and divide the day into two periods: On-Peak & Off-Peak periods.
- On-Peak periods are 5PM to 9PM on non-holiday weekdays, year-round
- Off-Peak periods are all other times, weekends and holidays
- Visit the PUC’s Time of Use webpages: Time of Use Rates | Public Utilities Commission or watch the PUC’s Time of Use video
- Visit Xcel Energy’s TOU webpage or visit https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/residential-rates/time-o…