Non-profits step up to help residents with utility bills ahead of rate increase

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- Electricity and gas prices are at a record high in Colorado, and starting Monday, your average monthly bill can be up to $290.

Starting November 15th, natural gas prices will go up by about 27% and electric by more than 13%. This is in part due to nationwide and international factors causing the price of natural gas used to generate heat during the winter season to skyrocket.

With the holiday season approaching, this could be especially daunting to those barely making ends meet. Non-profits across Southern Colorado are gearing up to help residents make it through this winter season.

Dorothy Alvarez, the Director of Advocacy with WestSide Cares, says with the upcoming season ahead it is extremely important to stay warm and share the resources available to help residents.

"It is inevitable that we want to be warm in the winter," said Alvarez.

Westside Cares says during the winter season they see at least ten applications a week.

Down on N. Nevada Avenue, Pikes Peak United Way is assisting residents with rent and utilities, but staffers are already seeing an increase in high call volumes.

Elizabeth Quevedo, the Director of Community Impact at Pikes Peak United Way, says their slow days are starting to feel busy, swamped with calls of people asking for help.

"We are expecting that it will continue to increase especially as the rate spike hits their actual bills and people start feeling it," added Quevedo.

Residents in need of assistance paying for their utility bills can apply through LEAP, the low-income energy assistance program, which has recently increased the income limits for assistance to make it more flexible.

"Don't wait until your utilities are shut off, don't feel like there are no options even if you owe a significant amount of money," said Quevedo.

Colorado Springs Utilities also has a payment plan option for those who are in debt with utility bills.

Through their Project Cope, they also provide payment assistance for customers struggling due to a personal crisis or emergency regardless of income.

To get help residents just need to dial 2-1-1. It is a free bilingual service to help those in need regardless of citizenship status.

"So don't hesitate to ask for help, the community is struggling and you are not alone," added Quevedo.

The increases are set to tentatively last through February.