How to apply for Energy Outreach Colorado — Bill Payment Assistance for past-due heating and electric bills

Who it's for

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) gives emergency help to pay past-due heating or electric bills. You may qualify if your service has been shut off, you have a past-due heating or electric bill, or you are low on fuel, and your household income is under EOC's limit for your county. The payment goes straight to the utility or fuel company. Help is available all year, including the months when LEAP is closed, and can add to a LEAP benefit. Each household can get help once per program year (October 1 – September 30). Apply through a local partner agency — call ahead, and bring your photo ID and past-due bill. For heating emergencies call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).

What you'll need

• Photo ID
• Your past-due energy bill (or proof you are low on fuel)
• Proof of household income

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Energy Outreach Colorado — Bill Payment Assistance for past-due heating and electric bills. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need photo ID, your past-due energy bill (or proof you are low on fuel), proof of household income — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that you may qualify. You must be behind on a heating or electric bill, have service shut off, or be low on fuel. Your household income must be under the limit for your county, and the bill must be one you pay directly to the utility or fuel company.
2. Gather your documents. Bring your photo ID, your past-due energy bill or proof you are low on fuel, and proof of household income.
3. Call ahead to get help through a local partner agency. For heating emergencies, call 1-866-432-8435.
4. Apply online or by phone. If you apply through a local partner agency, follow its instructions and provide the required documents.
5. Complete any follow-up the agency asks for. Answer questions and send any missing information as soon as you can.

What to expect: After you apply, the local partner agency reviews your information and decides if help is available. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate. If approved, the payment goes straight to the utility or fuel company. Help is available once per program year, from October 1 through September 30, and you cannot get help twice for the same bill in the same program year.

Renewals

once per program year (October 1 – September 30)