October 1, 2025 - The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today announced the opening of the Utility Bill Help (UBH) program for the heating season of 2025-2026. In the first heating season of the program, UBH received 763 applications and in the second season, UBH received 8,512 applications, resulting in a 1015% increase in the past year. This program initially started as a pilot program, but the vast increase in applications indicated a significant need to continue the program.
“The PUC created the Utility Bill Help program as one more way to help our most vulnerable families receive benefits that help them save money, stay safe and warm, and stay in their own homes,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “The UBH program has been instrumental in connecting income-qualified families with the utility bill energy assistance programs that can make a big difference in Coloradans’ lives.”
The Utility Bill Help program will operate from Oct. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2026. The UBH program refers income-qualified customers to utility-run bill assistance programs to help pay their utility bills. Customers are eligible to apply to the UBH referral program if they meet the following two requirements:
- They are a customer of Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Colorado Natural Gas, or Xcel Energy.
- Their income is at 80% State Median Income (SMI) or below.
Customers are encouraged to apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) first. Customers that meet the above requirements but have been denied benefits through LEAP, or are ineligible for LEAP, may still be eligible for assistance through their utility’s affordability program. These customers are encouraged to apply to the UBH referral program, and if a customer is determined to be eligible, they will be referred to their utility company for final determination of enrollment and benefits. Potential benefits are a fixed monthly benefit that limits home natural gas and electric bills to a maximum of 6% of a customer’s monthly income.
In addition to the UBH program, the PUC recently helped to launch the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator (CESN) tool, which connects Coloradans to energy and money saving programs and rebates. Coloradans can determine what tax credits they qualify for and how to apply for them, by using CESN. This easy-to-use digital tool connects Coloradans to more than 600 energy rebates and 18 different energy bill assistance programs including federal tax credits expiring later this year.
“The PUC is ready to help connect Coloradans with ways to help keep energy affordable. The CESN tool offers a one stop solution to connect Coloradans with the benefits that can save money and energy,” said White.
How To Apply for Utility Bill Help
- Customers should apply for LEAP first if they are eligible. Access LEAP on the Colorado PEAK website to start the application process. Enrollment in LEAP gives customers a one-time bill assistance payment and prevents disconnection of service.
- If you are denied LEAP benefits or do not qualify for LEAP, you can visit the PUC’s Utility Bill Help program to apply for utility-led energy assistance bill programs.
- To find all programs you might be eligible for, visit the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator online tool.
For more information on the Utility Bill Help program, visit here, call 303-869-0380, or email dora_utility_bill_help@state.co.us. Help is available in English and in Spanish.