Colorado Energy Navigators: Promotoras for Energy Assistance

Funding Source: HB21-1105: Low-Income Utility Payment Assistance Contributions

Geographic Scope: Statewide Colorado

Program Status: Closed (2025 cycle completed with awards announced December 19, 2025)

A statewide initiative that equips trusted community leaders/promotoras with training and culturally relevant tools to help Colorado residents understand and access programs that reduce household energy burden, support energy education and conservation practices, and build feedback loops informing state and utility partners.

Key Features

• Model: Shift from one-time outreach toward sustained community partnership rooted in trust, cultural relevance, and accountability
• Compensation: Community leaders/promotoras are compensated through stipends or employment arrangements
• Funding Period: January 1 – December 31, 2026

Eligible Applicants

• Community-based organizations (CBOs)
• Local collaboratives
• Promotora networks

Priority Considerations

• 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

Programs Supported

Outreach and enrollment support 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

Contact

Program Manager: Maritza Gutierrez

Background

Funded through Colorado House Bill 1105 (passed 2021), which requires investor-owned utilities to collect a monthly charge from customers to fund assistance programs for income-qualified households. This represents an evolution in how energy assistance outreach is designed and delivered.

Application Process

2025 Application Timeline (Completed):

• Information Meeting: November 10, 2025
• Questions Due: November 17, 2025
• Questions and Answers Posted: November 21, 2025
• Proposals Due: December 1, 2025
• Award Notifications: December 19, 2025
• Funding Period: January 1 – December 31, 2026

Application Materials

1. Submit applications through the online portal at energyoutreach.org
2. Submit RFP questions to Maritza Gutierrez, Program Manager
3. Access the full RFP document and requirements on website
4. Q&A document available after November 21, 2025

Review Process

• Competitive selection process
• Selection committee includes representatives from:
  • State of Colorado
  • Xcel Energy
  • Community partner
  • Energy Outreach Colorado
• Priority consideration given based on ability to serve underserved populations and communities with high energy burden