The Source - Spring 2009 - (Page 21)

Tapping into federal dollars is key to helping the largest amount of customers in Colorado Springs. the local LIHEAP office closed its doors to walk-in traffic due to budget constraints, Colorado Springs Utilities created a LEAP information center in its customer-service lobby and dedicated staff to assist customers with their LIHEAP applications. Upon completion of the applications, customers can submit them onsite for more expeditious processing than mailing. Meetings are hosted by Colorado Springs Utilities for local non-profit staff to learn more about current rate changes and assistance options. Staff members also take the information on the road, holding “Assistance Clinics” at local community centers and homeowners’ association meetings. Project COPE (Citizens Option to Provide Energy) is a year-round utilities-assistance program funded by Colorado Springs Utilities customer donations. The utility matches customer donations up to $500,000 per year. The program began in the 1980s and serves as a safety-net for customers in emergency situations, such as job loss or high medical bills. COPE recipients do not have to meet LEAP income requirements and are eligible for assistance with their water and wastewater expenses in addition to energy assistance. Colorado Springs Utilities partners with 10 local human service agencies to provide counseling, allocation of COPE funds and additional assistance to customers, if necessary. In 2008, nearly 3,400 Colorado Springs households received assistance (totaling about $830,000). For customers who don’t qualify for assistance but want a way to manage their bill amount, the utility offers budget billing, a free and convenient, levelized payment option that allows customers to pay a set monthly amount based on the last 12 months of average consumption. In addition to the formal programs above, it refers customers to the local United Way 2-1-1 network and other agencies to find help during these tough economic times. Andy Colosimo is the government aﬀairs manager for Colorado Springs Utilities. THE SOURCE | S SPRING 2009 , VOL. 1, ISSUE 3 21

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Source - Spring 2009

The Source - Spring 2009 Contents First Person APGA Events Q&A: One-on-One with Senator Jeff Bingaman Great Malls Think Alike The Economy and Your Customers Member to Member New Technology: Saving Energy Never Felt So Good New Technology: Get Pumped! Legislative Outlook The Pipeline Advertiser.com Advertisers' Index At Last

The Source - Spring 2009

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.