DENVER – With the moratorium on utility disconnections no longer in effect, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) wants consumers to be aware of their options for assistance in paying their energy bills.
To avoid disconnection, customers who have fallen behind in their payments are encouraged to contact their electric or gas utility. Information about how to contact the utility can be found on the customer’s bill, the utility’s website or the PUC’s website at “Colorado Electric & Gas Utility Contact Information.”
Most utilities will work with customers who are having difficulties in paying their bills to make payment arrangements, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment arrangements can spread payments across multiple months giving customers the opportunity to become current.
Residential customers of investor-owned utilities (Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy, Atmos Energy, Colorado Natural Gas) also may prevent a shutoff by providing the utility company a “medical certification” from a doctor, or health practitioner acting under a doctor’s supervision, stating that disconnecting service would be especially dangerous to the health or safety of the customer or a permanent resident of the customer’s household.
If a medical certification is given to the company, no shut off of service will occur for up to 90 days from the date of the certificate. A medical certificate can delay a disconnection for no more than 90 days during any consecutive 12-month period.
If customers cannot reach an agreement with their utility, they may contact the PUC consumer affairs unit for assistance at 303-894-2070 or by filing a complaint via the PUC website.
If a customer is having difficulty paying their energy bill or receives a disconnection notice, they may be eligible for assistance from Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) or Energy Outreach Colorado. To determine eligibility or to apply online, go to the Colorado Department of Human Services or call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to apply over the phone.
Energy Outreach Colorado, a non-profit organization, provides payment assistance beyond that offered by the utilities and LEAP to help customers with their energy costs. For information visit: https://www.energyoutreach.org/programs-for-individuals/bill-payment-assistance/.
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About the PUC
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental and social values of our state.
About DORA
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit www.colorado.gov/dora for more information or call 303-894-7855/toll free 1-800-886-7675.
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