Gov. Jared Polis urges state the Public Utility Commission on Monday to reduce the impact of high energy bills on Colorado homes as many people are paying a lot more to heat their homes.
Gov. Polis Urges State Agencies To Reduce Energy Costs For Coloradans (PHOTO: The Longmont Leader)
Lower Energy Costs For Coloradans
Following months of soaring heat and energy bills, Gov. Jared Polis is demanding the state agencies to look for a short and long-term solution to help people that are struggling to make ends meet. Polis also says the state is finding ways to reduce those costs as he urges the Public Utility Commission to improve long-term price stability and reduce customer exposure to price spikes.
Gov. Polis is telling the PUC to elevate low-income assistance programs that can help improve access to budget payment plans. These resources include programs like the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, LEAP, Utility Percentage of Income Payment Plans, PIPP, and many other forms of state-local assistance, and directing the Colorado Energy Office to work with utilities to determine those most vulnerable and prioritize additional outreach and resources to folks who are disproportionately affected by the increased prices, according to Polis.
Polis Also Directed The Colorado Energy Office
He also wants the Colorado state’s energy office to determine those most vulnerable and prioritize additional outreach and resources to people disproportionately impacted by rising prices. As of this winter, gas bills increased by 75% compared to last year. The governor noted that oil and natural gas prices surged globally after Russia invaded Ukraine. At the same time, several energy giants like Xcel Energy are seeing huge profits. the governor said more needs to be done. He wants to have comprehensive strategies to make homes more energy efficient and hold utility companies accountable.
Moreover, Polis also announced Monday afternoon, natural gas and oil industry leaders announced a $1 million investment to help low-income Coloradans. In an effort to assist the struggling consumer to pay bills, Xcel Energy is dishing out half of that using shareholder funds.
Lastly, can find the full letter and strategy here.
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