Energy Assistance Programs
LEAP
GEO Free Weatherization Program
GEO Free Weatherization Program FAQ
Weatherization Reminders for Do-It-Yourselfers

Energy Assistance Programs
If you are having difficulty paying your electric bill, please call SLVREC immediately. Call before you miss a payment! You may be able to find energy assistance at:

866-HEAT HELP (866-432-8435)

http://www.energyoutreach.org

Contact SLVREC for more information regarding energy assistance at 719-852-3538 or 800-332-7634.

back to top of page

LEAP

One program available to those with low incomes is LEAP (Low income Energy Assistance Program). LEAP offices are located in each county. Your participation in other government programs will not be affected if you apply for LEAP.

You may apply for the 2008/2009 LEAP program from November 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009. If you are applying for LEAP assistance you should continue to pay your home heating bill. If you can't make your full payment to SLVREC, contact the cooperative before you miss a payment!

You must mail or fax your LEAP application to your local county LEAP office. A list of county office mailing addresses and fax numbers are available at: http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/offices.htm

You can contact LEAP administrative offices in each county at:

back to top of page

Free Weatherization and Energy Saving Home Upgrades

The Governor's Energy office has funding available for home weatherization. You must complete an application for this program and you must meet certain criteria to be eligible. For example, if your home has been weatherized under a state-funded program since 1994, you will not be eligible again at this time. Additionaly, the program requries certain public assistance or income qualifications.

The program serves low-income families in Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties. In most cases, the program provides insulation and associated minor repairs as needed to install insulation. Additionally, depending upon your home and your situation, the program may also offer furnace services and refrigerator replacements. The technicians working on a home will also provide tips on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency.

The application form for the program requires information about your current energy use, information about your home, a completed permission form (from your landlord or property manager if you are renting), and information on the public assistance program or your income qualifications to determine eligibility. Applicants are required to send a copy of current picture identification along with their application.

Weatherization work is completed by Veteran Green Jobs. You can learn more about the Veteran Green Job weatherization program in the San Luis Valley here. The Veteran Green Job web site includes more specific information on eligibility requirements, who to call, the type of work that the program includes, the benefits of weatherization and more.

Contact SLVREC to obtain a copy of the weatherization application, or visit the Veteran Green Job web site and call the number listed there to obtain more information.

back to top of page

Free Weatherization Program Freqently Asked Questions

How does the program work?

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) Weatherization Program partners with local weatherization agencies throughout the state to provide free weatherization services to Colorado residents. Qualified homeowners or renters can apply for these services by contacting their local weatherization agency. Once you contact your agency you will need to follow a few simple steps to receive weatherization services:

Complete an application. Your local agency will provide an assist you with completing the application.

Once your application is approved, your agency will schedule a free home energy audit. The home energy audit will identify the most appropriate and cost-effective improvements to be applied to your home.

After your home's appropriate measures are identified, your agency will schedule a service appointment. A qualified crew of weatherization technicians will install the appropriate improvements in your home.

Once the work is been completed, a certified inspector will return to your home to assess the work for quality and completion.

What are the benefits of weatherizing my home?

There are numerous reasons for homeowners or renters to participate in the GEO Weatherization Program. Whether you are looking to save money, improve the comfort and value of your home, or help protect our environment, weatherization can help. Here are some benefits to weatherizing your home:

• lower your monthly energy costs
• save money
• reduce your greenhouse gas emissions
• do your part to slow climate change
• help preserve our natural resources
• keep your home cool in the summer
• keep your home warm in the winter

How do I know if I qualify?

If you currently receive financial assistance from any of the following programs you automatically qualify for weatherization services:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Aid to the Needy and Disabled (AND)
• Old Age Pension (OAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Households can also be eligible if they meet required income guidelines. For more information on income guidelines, see www.colorado.gov/energy and click on the link for the free weatherization program.

What if I rent my home?

If the landlord agrees, renters in single-family, multi-family and mobile home residences can qualify for the free GEO Weatherization Program. Contact your local weatherization agency for details.

What if my home has been weatherized through this program recently?

A home can only receive this program's free weatherization services once, unless it received the services before September 30, 1994.

What is the purpose of the free home energy audit?

The free home energy audit determines which weatherization services are the most cost-effective to install in the home. Some homes will have more measures installed than others.

What types of weatherization services are available to residents of mobile homes?

The most typical improvements done to a mobile home are skirting insulation, furnace replacement, storm windows, and insulation.

How does the GEO ensure that the work completed by the agency is high-quality?

Once the weatherization work is completed, a certified inspector will return to your home to assess the work done and make sure no work was missed. The GEO also works closely with all of its agencies to make sure staff members are properly trained and equipped, and adhere to quality assurance standards.

What if I live in an apartment? Am I still eligible for weatherization services?

You might be eligible for multi-family weatherization services if you are currently living in a building with more than four units and you do not have your own furnace. Please Contact Energy Outreach Colorado at 303-226-5057 for more information. If your building has less than four units or you have your own furnace please contact your local weatherization agency.

back to top of page

Weatherization Reminders for Do-It-Yourselfers

If you have decided to remodel or update your home to improve its energy efficiency and your home was built before 1978, keep lead paint safety practices in mind. To complete work safely, call the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-5323 for more information.

Lead can affect children's brains in developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral patterns. Lead is also harmful to adult and it can even affect pets. Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. People can also get lead in their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often invisible. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978. Projects that disturb lead-based paint can create dust and endanger you and your family. Don't let this happen to you.

back to top of page