Colorado Springs Utilities promotes two winter utility bill assistance programs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- According to Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU), customers typically use up to six times more natural gas in winter than the rest of the year.

To help with higher heating bills in the winter, CSU offers payment assistance through Project: COPE -- financed by the utility and donations from utility customers -- as well as rebates and energy-saving tips. 

Beginning on Nov. 1, eligible customers also can apply for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). According to CSU, this is a federally funded program designed to help low-income households with winter home heating costs. Call the Pikes Peak United Way at 2-1-1 to apply.

CSU spokeswoman April Speake said that some of the federal funding that supports LEAP has ended, leaving low-income customers relying more on Project: COPE.

"In fact, the number of families assisted has more than tripled this year," she explained. "We will definitely be close to 2,000 families assisted, with well over $1 million in assistance. And we still have two months to go. I expect that this trend is going to continue into next year because of inflation."

"People are already starting to be concerned about cold weather and the winter coming up -- and they're already calling our service center and United Way 211, and requesting what us out there for them, how can they get some help," she said.

Speake revealed that last year -- even with higher rate increases -- only 500 customers received assistance.

JoAnn Cox, a CSU electric customer, said that the effect of inflation means more cutting back on luxuries and conveniences for many people.

"We do not go out to eat as much as we used to," she said. "We used to enjoy going out weekly, at least to have a nice meal. We go out maybe a couple of times a month now."

But for the lowest-income customers, the priority is heat and keeping the power on -- literally making the two assistance programs lifesavers for those users.

CSU also offers the following energy-saving tips:

• Change the direction of ceiling fans. During colder months ceiling fans should rotate clockwise. 
• Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. (Make sure it’s above 45 degrees to apply caulking.) 
• Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows. 
• Keep the fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning.  
• Look for other opportunities throughout your home with a self-assessment that can help you find problems.  
• Check the furnace filter and change it when dirty. A clean filter allows the furnace to run more efficiently.  
• Set the thermostat as low as is comfortable at night or when away from home. Earn a $50 rebate on a smart thermostat.  

You can learn more about energy efficiency rebates and ways to save at Efficiency at Home (csu.org).