No one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table. But for many Colorado households, rising energy costs can make that a painful reality. If you’re behind on your utility bills, you’re not alone — and help is available.
Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) is here to make sure Coloradans don’t lose access to critical energy services like heat and electricity. Through its Bill Payment Assistance Program, EOC helps households facing shutoffs get the emergency support they need to keep the lights on.
Tip: Not sure if you qualify for Energy Outreach Colorado or want to see what other benefits you could get? MyFriendBen is a free tool that can help you quickly find programs, including Energy Outreach Colorado, that you may be eligible for.
What is EOC’s Bill Payment Assistance Program?
Energy Outreach Colorado provides emergency financial assistance for people who are behind on their energy bills. The goal is simple: prevent energy from being turned off and help families stay safe in their homes.
The program is designed to support eligible Coloradans by:
- Paying part or all of a past-due energy bill
- Working directly with utility companies to stop disconnections
- Helping households avoid losing service during critical times of the year
You can find full program details at energyoutreach.org, or go directly to the assistance page at energyoutreach.org/get-bill-payment-assistance.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify for EOC’s bill payment assistance if:
- You have a past-due bill with your utility company
- You pay your energy bill directly (not included in rent)
- Your income falls within program guidelines (varies slightly by household size)
- You are a Colorado resident
Good news: EOC’s program is available regardless of immigration or documentation status. If you need help, you’re encouraged to apply—even if you don’t have a Social Security number or government-issued ID.
How to Apply
Getting help through Energy Outreach Colorado starts with connecting to a local agency partner. These agencies help process your application and submit your request for funding.
Here’s how to apply:
- Visit EOC’s Bill Payment Assistance page
- Use the Find an Agency tool to locate a nearby partner organization
- Contact the agency to start the application process
- Provide required documentation, which usually includes:
- Your most recent energy bill (showing the past-due balance)
- Proof of income for the past 30 days (if available)
- Identification (if available, but not always required)
Each agency may have slightly different requirements, so it’s best to call ahead and ask what to bring.
Before you apply, MyFriendBen can predict your eligibility and give you a list of key documents you’ll need, so you can make a plan before you apply. Click to get started.
Don’t Forget to Apply for LEAP Too
If you qualify for Energy Outreach Colorado’s assistance, you may also be eligible for Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
LEAP helps with ongoing energy bills between November and April, and applying early is key. LEAP and EOC work together—you don’t have to choose one or the other, and applying for both may increase the support you receive.
You can learn more or start your LEAP application on the Colorado PEAK website.
Other Resources for Utility and Housing Help
If you’re struggling to make ends meet, there are other programs that may be able to help:
- Rent and utility support in Denver: Denver Resident Resources
- Statewide utility assistance programs: Colorado PUC Utility Bill Help
- Phone and internet discounts: The Lifeline program helps lower phone/internet bills
- Not sure what you qualify for? Use the MyFriendBen Colorado screener to check your eligibility for over a dozen benefits in just a few minutes. It’s free and confidential.
Apply Early, Stay Warm
If you’ve fallen behind on your energy bills, you don’t have to face it alone. Programs like Energy Outreach Colorado are designed to help households just like yours get back on track—no matter your background or immigration status.
Start by contacting a local agency, applying for EOC support, and looking into LEAP as well. You may be eligible for even more help than you realize—and the MyFriendBen tool can make finding that support easier.
Staying warm, safe, and connected is a basic need—and with a little help, it’s within reach.
