FREE ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

If you are experiencing a heating emergency, please call the Crisis Intervention Program at 1-855-469-4328.

If you are experiencing an electrical or plumbing emergency, please contact a licensed contractor or contact your landlord/property management company if you rent.


BILL PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

In partnership with Energy Outreach Colorado’s Bill Payment Assistance program C4 provides once-a-year assistance for Lake County households who are behind on their energy bills and are at risk of not having home energy.

Qualifications

  • Households earn up to 80% AMI for Lake County

  • Home energy costs are paid directly to an energy vendor or utility company

  • Energy bill is past due or you are low on bulk fuel (propane, firewood, wood pellets)

To Get Help:


IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Your home’s energy efficiency is a crucial component to your overall energy costs and comfort; improving it will lead to a lower bill and less energy consumption. CARE and WAP provide free energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades to low income Coloradans. C4 staff can help you apply for either of these programs - just email us or call/text us at 719-465-6164.


Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy Program (CARE)

The CARE Program provides free energy efficiency upgrades to help with your home energy costs and comfort.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Households earn up to 80% AMI for Lake County

  • Home is serviced by Xcel Energy

HOW TO GET HELP

QUESTIONS?

SERVICES CAN INCLUDE

  • Free energy assessments

  • Energy conservation education

  • Upgrades can include

  • LED bulb upgrades

  • Energy star refrigerator upgrade

  • Air sealing

  • Insulation

  • HVAC maintenance or upgrades


WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded program that provides energy efficiency services.

You can receive assistance with improvements including: air sealing, insulation, storm windows and doors, furnace repair or replacement, and LED light bulbs.

60% State Median Income as of Jan 2022:

Maximum Gross Monthly (before taxes)

  • 1 Person – $2,759

  • 2 Persons – $3,608

  • 3 Persons – $4,457

  • 4 Persons – $5,306

  • 5 Persons – $6,155

  • 6 Persons – $7,003

  • 7 Persons – $7,163

  • 8 Persons – $7,322

  • Each additional person = $159

QUALIFICATIONS

Households earn up to 60% of the State Median Income (see below)

You automatically qualify if you receive assistance from specific federal programs, including LEAP and SNAP


HOW TO GET HELP

Lake County residents should contact Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG) for information on applying.

Questions? email us at energy@c4leadville.org or call/text us at 719-465-6164


C4 ENERGY ASSISTANCE FUND

The C4 Energy Assistance fund helps Lake County community members address health, safety and energy issues in their homes. Frozen pipes? House Fire? Leaking Water Heater? Want to reduce your energy usage? We can help cover the cost!

Qualifications

  • Homeowners and renters are welcome to apply

  • Household earns up to 120% AMI (see chart)

  • Household does not already qualify for another energy related assistance program (i.e. CARE, WAP)

  • Health & safety concern is not covered by another program (i.e. frozen/burst pipes)

We can offer connections to local contractors but we are not able to directly assist you with any contact or scheduling.

If you are experiencing a housing emergency like frozen or burst pipes, a leaking or non-functioning water heater, or other damage to your home, please seek a professional and licensed contractor and explain your emergency situation. You may also consider filing a claim under your homeowners insurance policy if the expense is anticipated to be high. If you are a renter, contact your landlord or property management company immediately.

To get help: Download an application, pick an application up at our offices or call/text us at 719-465-6164


Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

LEAP is a federally funded program that can pay part of your heating costs. It is only active from November 1 to April 30 each year and can be used once per heating season.

Qualifications

  • Are a permanent legal resident of the US or have a household member who is a US Citizen (includes children)

  • Households earn up to 60% of the State Median Income (see below)

  • Pay home heating costs either directly to a utility company or to a landlord as part of rent

More Resources

APPLICATION HANDBOOK

You can find more information on the Colorado Department of Human Services website.

How To Get Help

  1. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435)

  2. Apply online through Colorado PEAK


Not sure which program is the best fit for your household? Email, call or text C4 at 719-465-6164.