Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Quick Facts

• Seasonal focus: Operates November 1–April 30, targeting winter heating bills for households using gas, electric, propane, wood, or pellets.
• Benefit delivery: Direct payment to utility or fuel vendor; households receive notification letter detailing applied amount.
• Average award: $400–$1,000 depending on income, fuel type, and climate region. Additional crisis grants up to $2,500 available.
• Emergency services: Includes furnace repair/replacement, crisis intervention, and weatherization referrals.
• Application methods: Online via Colorado PEAK, mail, drop-off at county offices, or through community partners.
• Stacked support: LEAP applicants are automatically screened for weatherization assistance, water utility relief, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Program Overview

LEAP is Colorado’s primary safety net against winter energy insecurity. Administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), the program collaborates with county human services offices and energy providers statewide. When households apply, LEAP calculates benefits using a formula that considers income, family size, primary heating fuel, and region-specific climate factors. Benefits appear as credits on utility bills or as fuel delivery authorizations, preventing shutoffs during cold months.

Beyond bill assistance, LEAP connects households to free weatherization audits, furnace repairs, and energy education. The program is especially critical in mountain communities where heating costs spike due to altitude and extreme temperatures. In 2025, Colorado increased funding for crisis grants, acknowledging volatile propane prices and extended cold snaps.

2025 Enhancements

• Auto-renewal pilot: Households that received LEAP in 2024 and have stable income can opt into a simplified renewal that requires only a confirmation postcard.
• Expanded crisis fund: Emergency grant ceiling raised to $2,500 for furnace replacements and propane deliveries.
• Green energy vouchers: Participants receive vouchers for smart thermostats and weatherization kits funded by utility settlements.
• Multilingual outreach: Applications available in 12 languages, with hotline interpreters covering 200+ languages.
• Digital status tracker: Applicants can log into Colorado PEAK to check application status, benefit amount, and scheduled vendor payments.

Eligibility Breakdown

1. Residency: Applicants must be legal residents of Colorado with intent to remain. Seasonal workers qualify if residing in state during heating season.
2. Income: Household income at or below 60% of state median income (SMI). For the 2024–2025 season, that equates to roughly $4,155/month for a family of four. CDHS updates thresholds annually.
3. Heating responsibility: You must pay heating costs directly or have the amount included in rent. If heat is included in rent, provide documentation showing the portion covering heat.
4. Citizenship: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents qualify. Some visa categories and refugees are eligible; provide lawful presence verification per state statute.
5. Documentation: Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (pay stubs, award letters), recent utility bills, and identification.
6. Ineligible cases: Households already receiving full heating assistance through another program (e.g., subsidized housing that covers utilities entirely) may not qualify.

Application Roadmap

1. Prepare documents: Gather income proof for the past month, latest utility bill or fuel receipt, ID, and SSNs.
2. Submit application: Apply online via Colorado PEAK (peak–colorado.com), download and mail the form, or drop it at county offices. Community action agencies can help complete forms.
3. Interview (if requested): Most applicants do not require interviews. If additional clarification is needed, county staff will call or email.
4. Receive determination: Within 30 days, LEAP sends an approval letter detailing benefit amount and vendor payment schedule. Crisis cases are expedited within 48 hours.
5. Vendor payment: Utility credits appear on the next billing cycle. For propane/wood deliveries, LEAP sends authorization to fuel vendors for immediate delivery.
6. Access crisis assistance: If you face shutoff notices or furnace failure, contact the LEAP hotline (866-432-8435) for emergency processing.
7. Follow-up referrals: Approved households receive information about Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and energy education workshops.

Documentation Checklist

• Completed LEAP application (paper or PEAK submission confirmation)
• Proof of lawful presence (driver’s license, state ID, military ID)
• Social Security numbers for all household members (or affidavits if pending)
• Income documents for the prior 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment benefits, Social Security awards, child support)
• Most recent heating bill or fuel receipt
• Proof of rent including heating costs if utilities bundled
• Copy of shutoff notice or past-due bill for crisis assistance
• Vendor account number or delivery company contact

Timeline Benchmarks

• November 1: Application window opens; submit early to ensure benefits apply to first winter bills.
• Within 30 days: Standard processing timeline for non-crisis applications.
• 48 hours: Crisis assistance timeline for shutoff prevention or fuel delivery.
• January–February: Peak demand; expect longer processing unless documents are complete.
• April 30: Application deadline; late submissions accepted only for documented emergencies.

Strategies for Maximizing Benefits

1. Apply early: Submitting in November or December ensures benefits hit during the coldest months and leaves time for crisis requests later.
2. Document heating costs accurately: Provide detailed invoices, especially for propane or wood deliveries. Higher documented costs can yield larger benefits.
3. Use crisis grants wisely: If you anticipate running out of fuel, contact LEAP before tanks hit 10% to avoid emergency delivery fees.
4. Bundle programs: After LEAP approval, schedule a weatherization audit. Insulation, air sealing, and furnace tune-ups reduce future bills.
5. Enroll in budget billing: Many utilities offer budget billing for LEAP participants, smoothing seasonal spikes.
6. Educate landlords: Renters with heat included in rent should request landlord statements itemizing heating costs to maximize eligibility.

Common Pitfalls

• Missing documentation: Incomplete income proof delays processing. Submit full pay periods or employer letters verifying gross pay.
• Late applications: Waiting until March or April may result in smaller benefits because fewer bills remain. Apply as soon as eligibility criteria are met.
• Unreported address changes: Moving without notifying LEAP can cause returned mail and benefit delays. Update PEAK profiles promptly.
• Vendor mismatch: Ensure the vendor listed matches your account. Mistakes can send payments to old providers.
• Not requesting crisis help: Many households assume only regular benefits exist. Crisis funds can prevent shutoffs—call the hotline at the first sign of trouble.

Coordinated Supports

• Weatherization Assistance Program: Offers insulation, air sealing, and appliance upgrades at no cost to LEAP recipients.
• Energy Outreach Colorado: Provides additional bill assistance and appliance replacements.
• Utility partner programs: Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy, and rural cooperatives offer arrearage forgiveness plans that stack with LEAP.
• Water utility aid: Colorado’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can be accessed through the same application portal.
• Financial coaching: Nonprofits like Energy Resource Center deliver budgeting workshops to help families plan for future energy costs.

Success Stories

• Mountain family: The Johnsons in Leadville rely on propane. LEAP covered $1,200 in fuel and funded a furnace replacement after the unit failed during a blizzard. Weatherization sealed drafty windows, reducing consumption by 25%.
• Senior renter: Ms. Alvarez in Denver applied early and received $600 applied directly to her Xcel account. She paired LEAP with a rebate for a smart thermostat, lowering bills year-round.
• Manufactured home community: Residents in Pueblo West coordinated applications through a local nonprofit, securing crisis grants that prevented mass shutoffs after a billing error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive LEAP if I rent and heat is included? Yes, if you can verify that part of your rent covers heat. Ask your landlord for a statement or utility budget breakdown.

What if I use wood or pellets? Provide receipts from suppliers. LEAP reimburses or pre-pays for cordwood, pellets, propane, and heating oil.

Does LEAP cover summer cooling? No, LEAP focuses on winter heat. However, Weatherization Assistance may provide cooling upgrades like heat pumps.

How often can I use crisis funds? Typically once per season, but additional assistance may be granted for catastrophic events with documentation.

Do I need to reapply every year? Yes, unless you qualify for the auto-renewal pilot. Watch for postcards or emails from CDHS.

Resource Directory

• cdhs.colorado.gov/leap: Official program information, forms, and status updates.
• Colorado PEAK: Online application and document upload portal.
• LEAP hotline: 866-HEAT-HELP (866-432-8435) for crisis requests and application guidance.
• Energy Outreach Colorado: Additional bill assistance and energy education.
• Weatherization Assistance providers: Local agencies listed in approval packets for home efficiency improvements.

Glossary

• State Median Income (SMI): Annual income benchmark used to determine eligibility.
• Crisis grant: Additional funds released to stop shutoffs or repair heating equipment.
• Budget billing: Utility plan that evens out payments across the year.
• Weatherization: Energy efficiency improvements that lower heating and cooling costs.
• Vendor authorization: Document that directs fuel suppliers to deliver using LEAP funds.

Colorado’s LEAP program does more than pay bills—it stabilizes households, preserves health during harsh winters, and builds long-term energy resilience. By applying early, providing thorough documentation, and tapping into companion services, families can stay warm without sacrificing other essentials.