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For immediate release:

10:00 a.m. – Friday, August 28, 2020

Time is running out for Coloradoan’s to apply for up to $1,500 in energy assistance funding even if they’ve been denied other public assistance funding or have already received funding.

Everyone impacted by COVID-19 is encouraged to apply.

Energy Outreach Colorado was awarded $4.8 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to assist individuals who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are struggling to pay their past-due utility bills. The funds must be distributed by September 30.

These funds compliment LEAP, with preference given to individuals who have been denied or are ineligible for other forms of assistance such as unemployment insurance, food benefits, or direct federal stimulus payments.

In response to COVID-19, Energy Outreach Colorado participants can receive bill payment assistance two times during the program year, which runs from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, as long as the total program year benefit does not exceed $1,500.

Previously Energy Outreach Colorado required households to apply for LEAP before being eligible to receive assistance. However, due to COVID-19, that is no longer a requirement.

San Isabel Electric is proud to partner with Energy Outreach Colorado to help ensure southern Colorado has access to the funding.

“Keeping the lights on is the last thing we want our members to be worrying about during times like these,” San Isabel Electric General Manager Reg Rudolph said.

SIEA has posted Energy Outreach Colorado’s application for CARES Act funding assistance online at siea.com/EOCApp.

Energy Outreach Colorado provides bill payment assistance to households across Colorado to help those who can’t afford their home energy costs.

Applications must be returned to Energy Outreach Colorado by emailing the complete application to leaphelp@discovermygoodwill.org or by faxing it to 855-830-3483.

Questions about the program, qualifications and application status should be directed to Energy Outreach Colorado by calling the HEAT HELP number, 866-432-8435. Choose the pre-recorded phone prompt to get help with your heating bill or obtain a LEAP application, option 4.

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As a not-for-profit cooperative utility, San Isabel Electric provides affordable, reliable electricity with exceptional service to communities throughout southern Colorado. Serving nearly 20,000 member-owners and 24,000 meters, San Isabel Electric has been keeping the lights on since 1938. We don’t just serve communities. We are part of communities.