Colorado Medical Exemption Program

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.
2. Applications must be received at the CMEP office by May 1.

Please allow extra time if sending by U.S. Mail. You may also fax your application or scan it and attach it to an email.

Submit your completed application by May 1 to:

Colorado Medical Exemption Program

P.O. Box 461657

Aurora CO 80015-9998

If you have any questions, contact:

Sabrina Padilla at Chronic Care Collaborative – Energy Program

Phone: 303.993.5056

Fax: 303.955.7538

Email: sabrina.padilla@ccc-co.org

On the Web: www.chroniccarecollaborative.com

For more information, see the Program Information Sheet