Energy Assistance Charge

Delivering more help for our neighbors in need

A house that keeps you warm as the weather starts to change. It’s something most of us take for granted—but for thousands of Coloradans who may face financial hardship, paying energy bills can be a concern and a challenge.

In partnership with our local and state agencies, we’re committed to helping improve the lives of customers and families who may struggle to pay their bills. The state of Colorado recently passed legislation that creates a sustainable funding source for energy assistance programs for income-qualified customers. House Bill 21-1105 directs utilities to collect a monthly fee from electric and natural gas customers to further support the work of organizations that help keep the lights on for customers in need.

Customer Notice (PDF)

Customer Notice  - En Espanol (PDF)

Electric Energy Assistance Charge - Rate Trend Report (PDF)
Gas Energy Assistance Charge - Rate Trend Report (PDF)

How it  Works

The Energy Assistance Charge is required by state law to fund programs that help income-qualified Coloradans pay their utility bills. It went into effect in October 2021. From Oct. 2022 to September 2023, each customer’s monthly Energy Assistance Charge is 75 cents for electric service and 75 cents for natural gas service provided. You may opt out of these charges by calling 800-895-4999 or find out how to get help at 866-HEAT-HELP (866-432-8435). 

How it Helps

Your monthly contribution will support programs managed by Energy Outreach Colorado and the Colorado Energy Office that:

• Provide bill payment assistance to households across Colorado who are behind on their energy bill and are at risk of not having home energy.
• Offer weatherization assistance programs and energy efficiency services for income-qualified households to reduce home heating costs. These include help with items like insulation, air sealing, storm windows and doors, furnace repair or replacement, and LED light retrofitting.

Income-qualified customers are exempt from the Energy Assistance Charge.  That includes those who have received energy bill assistance from Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), the Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Xcel Energy’s Electric Affordability Program or Gas Affordability Program, or as qualified by EOC to receive direct utility bill payment assistance from EOC or other applicable organizations.

Opting Out

Any customer may request removal of this Energy Assistance Charge. To opt out of paying for the Energy Assistance Charge call 800-895-4999.

Exclusión Voluntaria

Cualquier cliente puede solicitar la eliminación de este Cargo por asistencia energética y optar por no pagar el Cargo por asistencia energética en cualquier momento llamando al 800-895-4999.

Need Help? We're Here for You

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, you might qualify for bill payment assistance which would make you exempt from the Energy Assistance Charge. Please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to see if you qualify to receive assistance.

We are here to keep you connected, with ways to help if you need them. Visit Energy Assistance (external link) to find resources we have available.

¿Necesita Ayuda? Estamos Aquí Para Usted

Si tiene dificultades para pagar sus facturas de energía, es posible que reúna los requisitos para recibir asistencia para el pago de facturas y que sea elegible para la exención del cargo por asistencia energética. Llame al 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) para ver si califica para recibir asistencia.

Estamos aquí para mantenerlo conectado, con formas de ayudarlo si lo necesita. Visite este enlace (external link) para encontrar los recursos que tenemos disponibles.