Legislation to Boost Utility Assistance Passes Senate

SB26-002 would improve access to energy assistance programs

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to standardize and improve energy assistance programs to ensure affordable, reliable access to the energy Coloradans need to keep their homes running.

SB26-002, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, would require all investor-owned gas and electric utilities in Colorado to have a standardized framework for energy assistance programs known as Percentage of Income Payment Plans (PIPP). 

“No one should be spending an exorbitant amount of their income on utilities,” said Kipp. “Colorado families face difficult choices every month between rent, groceries, bills, and all the unexpected expenses life throws their way. This legislation is about ensuring that Coloradans who need energy assistance are able to access these programs in a simple, efficient way no matter what part of the state they live in or who provides their utilities.”

“Every Colorado family should be able to keep the lights on and keep their home safe and functioning without breaking the bank,” said Exum. “The purpose behind this bill has never wavered – to bring down energy bills for families who need it. This bill standardizes utility assistance programs, increases their visibility, and simplifies the application process so that more Coloradans can benefit.”

SB26-002 would require utilities to clearly post information about eligibility criteria and enrollment processes for the PIPP program on their websites and would standardize the name of PIPP programs across all investor-owned utilities to reduce confusion for customers. It would also allow customers to apply directly with their utility for the program, rather than having to first enroll in another assistance program. Referrals from other programs like Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) would still be allowed, ensuring multiple pathways to enrollment. 

To improve and expedite the application experience, under the bill, utilities must inform applicants within 30 days whether they have been approved or denied for PIPP. For those who are approved, utilities must provide a clear explanation of benefits and how their monthly bill will be impacted. 

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.