News

Help with Heating Bills Still Available for Boulder County Residents

Expansion of heating assistance program means more may be eligible

Boulder County, Colo. – There is still time for Boulder County residents to apply for winter heating assistance through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), but applications are due by the end of April.

LEAP helps low-income residents who meet income criteria and other eligibility factors pay their winter heating bills. The program is designed to pay the highest benefit to households with the highest heating costs.

“Energy costs have continued to increase throughout the recent economic downturn,” said Theresa Kullen, an eligibility manager with Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services (BCDHHS). “We want to make sure that people know this help is available, because it can make the difference between whether or not someone can also afford groceries or a visit to the doctor in a given month.”

In addition, Boulder County residents who may not have previously qualified for heating assistance may now be eligible. The Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services (BCDHHS) continues to oversee local expansions of the Heating Assistance Program and can provide help for households with income limits higher than those in LEAP.

Boulder County residents who were previously ineligible for LEAP due to income limit reductions may now qualify for help with heating bills through the Heating Plus program. This new program has gross monthly income limits of 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (for a family of three, this amounts to about $3,000 per month). 

Those who want to find out more about whether they qualify or want to apply for the assistance should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at Boulder County LEAP, or call 303-682-6783. Boulder County will continue to accept applications through April 30, 2013.

Special deals available from EnergySmart for Boulder County residents

Incentives available for residential homes

Boulder County, Colo. – Experiencing drafts this winter? Chilly rooms? High energy bills?

EnergySmart makes it easy for residents in Boulder County to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient all year round. Residents in Boulder County are currently eligible for FREE phone advising or discounted $90 Home Energy Assessments (reg. $120).

Energy assessments pinpoint wasted energy and advisors help with prioritizing projects, finding qualified contractors and applying for rebates or low-interest financing.

As a special promotion, Longmont residents who sign up for a Home Energy Assessment before April 30 will receive a free LED light bulb (approx. $30 value).

EnergySmart services are also available for businesses.

To sign up or learn more: Call 303-544-1000 or visit www.EnergySmartYES.com.

March 7, 2013

Elevations Energy Loan Program now available to all Xcel Energy Trade Partners 

Over $1 million in Energy Loans made to homes and businesses in Boulder County and the City and County of Denver

Boulder County, Colo. – Elevations Credit Union’s Energy Loans program, which provides low interest financing for energy efficiency in homes and businesses across Boulder County and the City and County of Denver is pleased to announce that it is now available to all current Xcel Energy Trade Partners. This makes low cost financing available to an additional 1,500 contractors in the Front Range to help them sell more energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. 

 

Xcel Energy trade partners are contractors that are knowledgeable about Xcel Energy’s Efficiency and Renewable Energy rebates and promote these services to their customers. Due to the pilot nature of the Energy Loans program, these trade partners were not originally allowed to use the loan, but now that the Energy Loans has a proven track record 1,500 new contractors will be able to promote and use this lending product.

“Elevations is thrilled to have Xcel trade partners enter the lineup.  Expanding our contractor base is key to the program’s success,” said Jay Champion, Chief Lending Officer at Elevations Credit Union.

The Elevations Energy Loan was created through seed money provided by a Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.  Boulder County, City and County of Denver and Elevations Credit Union have teamed up to provide $35 million in lending capital available for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Additionally, Elevations Credit Union’s Energy Loans program has surpassed its first $1 million in Energy Loans since launching last August. 

“We expect to see continued uptake and momentum with the Energy Loans Program as we open up to more contractors, and word continues to spread in the community about the benefits of this program,” said Jeremy Epstein, Sustainability Finance Specialist for Boulder County.  

 

For more information about the Elevations Energy Loan Program, to apply, or to speak to a free Energy Advisor about how you can save energy, increase comfort, and have a more healthy and efficient home or business, visit www.elevationscu.com/energyloans or call an energy advisor at (303) 544-1000 (home) or (877) 505-6722 (business).

-BoulderCounty.org-