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FIND SERVICES
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DHS Sparks Winter Energy Assistance Program
 DENVER – Denver Human Services will be facilitating emergency energy assistance to low-income Denver residents and processing applications from others in need beginning Wednesday, Nov. 1. The agency will help city residents as part of the 2006-2007 Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). The program helps qualifying low-income residents pay their heating bills each winter. In order to qualify for assistance, applicants must be a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of Colorado. In addition they must either pay an energy provider for their heat or pay for heat as part of their rent. Their gross monthly household income cannot exceed that listed in the following federal guidelines:
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LEAP Household Income Limits
2006-2007
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Family Size
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Gross Monthly Income
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1
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$1,511 |
2
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$2,035 |
3
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$2,559
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4
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$3,083 |
5
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$3,608
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6
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$4,132
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7
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$4,656 |
Each
Additional
Person
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$524
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Residents need to be paying their energy costs directly to a provider in order to qualify for LEAP assistance. Those who live in apartments and pay for heat as part of their rent may also qualify.
Applicants do not need to wait for a shut-off notice from their energy provider to qualify for LEAP assistance, and those who think they may qualify should apply as soon as possible and not risk receiving a shut-off notice.
For those who do receive a shut-off notice from their energy provider, Denver LEAP staff will expedite their LEAP application and work with their energy provider to try to prevent shutoff.
Denver’s energy assistance program operates as part of the statewide LEAP program, which is managed by the Colorado Department of Human Services. The federally funded program is augmented annually in Colorado with funding from Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit that advocates for affordable energy and energy efficiency in addition to seeking donations and grants to help needy families pay their energy bills.
LEAP helped more than 107,000 Coloradoans last year, including 14,900 in Denver. Increases in the cost of heating fuel over the past few years and continuing volatility in energy prices are expected to result in a 10 percent increase in LEAP applications statewide this year.
The average statewide benefit was approximately $550 last year; this year it is expected to be $280.
People with disabilities and the elderly are typical among LEAP applicants. The program does not pay all energy costs for qualifying residents but instead helps cover those costs to ensure that residents have heat during the winter.
Residents who qualify for LEAP are also eligible for home energy conservation services through Energy Saving Partners, a state program.
FACT SHEET
Low-income Energy Assistance in Denver
2006/2007 LEAP
The Denver Department of Human Services’ Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps Denver’s low-income residents pay their heating bills during the winter. Many of these residents are elderly or people with disabilities.
- The agency begins processing applications for assistance Wednesday, November 1, at its East Office, 2855 Tremont Place, Denver.
- Denver’s program operates as part of the statewide LEAP program managed by the Colorado Department of Human Services. Program funds come from the federal government and from Energy Outreach Colorado (formerly the Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation).
- Demand for assistance is expected to increase 10 percent statewide this winter as a result of increasing prices in heating fuel over the past few years and continuing volatility in energy prices
- Last winter (2005-2006), Denver assisted more than 14,900 applicants. Statewide, the LEAP program assisted more than 107,000 Coloradoans.
- The average statewide LEAP benefit last winter was $550. This year’s average benefit is expected to be approximately $280 statewide.
- There are two LEAP programs available to qualifying low-income Denver residents:
- The Basic Program helps qualifying renters and homeowners pay a portion of their winter heating costs between Nov. 1 and April 30. Payments are usually made directly to Xcel Energy.
- The Crisis Intervention Program assists those who qualify for LEAP with repair or replacement of their primary heating system. The maximum amount of assistance available through the Crisis Intervention Program is $1,500.
- To qualify for either LEAP program, applicants must have a household income at or below 185% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines. For example, monthly household income for a family of four must be at or below $3,083.
- Those who qualify for LEAP are also eligible for home energy conservation services such as insulation, caulking and furnace tune-ups.
- To apply for LEAP statewide call 1-866-HEAT- HELP (1-866-432-8435).
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Posted on Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Posted by Contributed by
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Colorado Colfax Marathon
| May 18 - Event celebrates the revitalization of America’s longest continuous street — Colfax Avenue. The course highlights interesting historic sites along Colfax and, of course, views of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Third Annual Post-News Event! |
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Denver Parks and Rec Summer Camp
| The perfect, affordable solution to entertain your children on summer days. Denver Parks and Recreation will be hosting six outdoor-based day camps within our parks and eleven indoor camps at various recreation centers. |
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The 2008 Democratic National Convention
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Cultural Events Calendars
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Denver365.com
Visit Denver's cultural events calendar for the best activities that Denver has to offer.
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Other Events and Calendar Listings
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Arts to Zoo - Colorado's Guide to Cultural Events and Organizations - by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District [SCFD]
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Downtown Denver Events, events within the Downtown Denver area that celebrate, cultural diversity, community pride and the visual, performing and culinary arts.
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Social calendar and other events for Colorado's nonprofit organizations
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Denver Cultural Facilities
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Denver Art Museum - World-class art collection and special events, shopping, great food, and more. |
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Denver Botanic Gardens - Spectacular 23-acre urban oasis offers an unforgettable artistic garden experience and education.
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Denver Museum of Nature and Science - Natural wonders of Colorado, Earth, and the universe. - Leading resource for informal science education.
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Denver Zoo is home to nearly 4,000 animals representing over 700 species and is one of the most popular zoos in the United States. |
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