Colorado Medical Exemption Program

A special program offered by Xcel Energy and overseen by the Chronic Care Collaborative

What it is:

The Colorado Medical Exemption Program (CMEP) provides lower electric rates to Xcel Energy customers who use life-support equipment in their households, or have medical conditions that require high power use to keep cool during the summer.

Who can take part?

Xcel Energy customers in Colorado may enroll if they meet these guidelines:

1. Have medical conditions that require high electric use for cooling during the summer, and/or use life-support equipment in their homes. Some examples include: home dialysis, oxygen and CPAP machines, or an electric wheelchair.
2. Use more than 606 kilowatt hours of power per month in the summer (June through September)
3. Have a household income of less than 250% of federal poverty guidelines.
4. Complete and return the program application by May 1 of the current calendar year for the discount to be applied for June - September of that year.

Note: Customers must meet all four requirements to be approved for the program.

How the program works:

Many customers pay higher electric rates in the summer. They are charged a standard rate for the first 500 kilowatt hours of electricity, and a higher rate for anything over 500 kilowatt hours in one billing period. This tiered rate can make summer bills much higher, largely if power use is over 606 kilowatt hours per month.

The Colorado Medical Exemption Program offers those who qualify a single, reduced rate for all electricity used from June through September. The program not only lowers billing rates, but also removes the Tier 2 rate for using more electricity. Standard rates return October 1.

How to apply:

1. Complete and sign the program application.
   Note: Page 2 of the application must be signed and completed by your health
   care provider.

Please include the following in addition to the application:

1. Proof of income for anyone who lives in the home
2. Most recent energy bill
3. Doctor's note stating what type of equipment is being used

Applications must contain this additional information to be considered complete.

Fax or mail your completed application by May 1 to:

303.993.5056
or
Colorado Medical Exemption Program
P.O. Box 461657
Aurora CO 80015-9998

If you have any questions, contact:

Sabrina Padilla at CCC- Energy Program
Phone and fax: 303.993.5056
sabrina.padilla@ccc-co.org

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 461657
Aurora CO 80015-9998

For more information, see the Program Information Sheet