2026 Energy Assistance Outreach Funding Awards

2026 Energy Assistance Outreach Funding Awards

Funder: Energy Outreach Colorado

Funding Source: Energy Assistance System Benefit Charge (EASBC), established by Colorado House Bill 1105 (2021)

Geographic Scope: Statewide Colorado

Total Funding: $605,000

Award Year: 2026

Overview

Funding to support community-based energy assistance outreach efforts across Colorado. The program supports a community partnership model that centers trusted local leaders and promotoras as long-term connectors between households and energy assistance programs, representing an evolution from one-time awareness campaigns to sustained community partnerships rooted in trust, cultural relevance, and accountability.

Funding Source Details

The Energy Assistance System Benefit Charge (EASBC) was established by Colorado House Bill 1105, passed in 2021. It requires investor-owned utilities to collect a monthly charge from customers to fund assistance programs for income-qualified households.

2026 Award Recipients

1. Cloud City Conservation (C4) - Lake and Chaffee counties 2. La Plata Family Center Coalition (LPFCC) - Durango and communities across Mesa, Archuleta, and San Juan counties 3. BuCu West - Denver Metro, Adams, Jefferson, and Arapahoe counties 4. Tri-County Health Network (TCH Network) - Delta and Montrose counties 5. Eagle Valley Community Foundation (EVCF) - Eagle, Pitkin, and Garfield counties 6. Colectiva Creando Cambios (CCC) - Denver, Boulder, Arapahoe, and Weld counties 7. East Colfax Community Collective (EC3) - Denver and Arapahoe counties 8. Viva Resource - El Paso, Teller, and Pueblo counties 9. Focus Points Family Resource Center - Denver Metro, Adams, and Arapahoe counties (Globeville community focus)

Geographic Coverage

Funded organizations represent a diverse mix of urban and rural areas across Colorado, with many specializing in working with specific communities and hard-to-reach populations.

Programs Supported

Funded organizations conduct outreach and enrollment support throughout 2026 for:
• State of Colorado's Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
• Colorado Energy Office's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
• Energy Outreach Colorado's utility Bill Payment Assistance
• Energy Outreach Colorado's Energy Efficiency programs

Selection Criteria

A selection committee composed of representatives from:
• State of Colorado
• Xcel Energy
• Community partner
• Energy Outreach Colorado

Priority consideration was given to proposals that demonstrated:

Ability to serve communities with high energy burden

Low participation in energy assistance programs

Limited access to weatherization or solar resources

High representation of immigrant, refugee, or newcomer populations

About Energy Outreach Colorado

A statewide nonprofit helping Coloradans afford their energy needs since 1989. Works with partner assistance organizations, vendors, and subcontractors across the state to provide comprehensive energy services.

Contact Information

Organization: Energy Outreach Colorado Phone: 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) Website: www.energyoutreach.org Media Contact: Chelsea Rosty, VP Communications