A stable natural gas market in 2023 means we are not changing electric or natural gas rates this quarter. This is good news for our customers as we head into the colder months.
While the rate we charge won’t change, colder weather often means higher bills. In our area, customers typically use up to six times more natural gas in the winter. To help, we offer payment assistance, as well as rebates and energy saving tips.
Beginning November 1, you can apply for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). This is a federally funded program designed to help eligible low-income households with winter home heating costs. To begin, call Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1. Applications are also available online on the Colorado PEAK website.
Colorado Springs Utilities and the Energy Resource Center have partnered to provide energy- and water-efficiency improvements for qualifying residential customers through the Home Efficiency Assistance Program. HEAP participants receive in-home energy and water audits, which are used to make home improvements. These can include weather stripping, additional insulation to attics, sidewalls and crawlspaces and much more.
To qualify, you must own the home you live in and meet income guidelines. In 2023, for example, a household of four with an annual income of $71,122 can qualify. Visit the Energy Resource Center to see if you qualify.
The City of Colorado Springs offers financial assistance to eligible low-income households for some home repairs. Eligible services include sewer and water line repairs, lead repairs, efficiency upgrades and more.
Project COPE provides utilities payment assistance to anyone struggling financially due to a personal crisis or emergency, regardless of income. This is the only local organization that dedicates its entire funding to utilities payment assistance year-round.
Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 is a free bilingual service to help those in need navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of health and human service providers in our community.
Budget Billing is a free program that makes it easier for you to budget expenses because we spread payments evenly throughout the year. Budget Billing lessens the impact on customers’ budgets during the winter and summer months when utility use is high. Also, the Pick My Payment Date program offers a convenient solution allowing you the flexibility to choose a due date that works best.
Try these low cost or no-cost tips around the home to help save energy and money.