Utilities Affordability Programs#
Looking for ways to lower your utility bill? Fort Collins Utilities partners with local organizations to provide:
- emergency assistance for past-due bills and equipment failures
- long-term, seasonal and monthly bill payment assistance
- home efficiency upgrades with installation
For more information, watch a two-minute overview of our programs or contact utilitiesaffordability@fcgov.com.
Core Programs#
Neighbor to Neighbor Utility Assistance
If you are struggling to keep up with your utility costs, Neighbor to Neighbor is accepting applications for utility assistance. They also offer rent assistance.
Eligibility Requirements:
Residential customers whose electric or water accounts are past-due may request assistance from the Payment Assistance Fund once per 12-month period (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Make 80% or less of Area Median Income
- Bill is past due
- Eligible to both renters and homeowners
Provides free emergency repair or replacement of failed heating systems. Services are available year-round.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrolled in LEAP
Emergency Grant Assistance Program
Grants up to $3,000 for emergencies such as no hot water, burst pipes, and gas leaks. Apply before having work done.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Make 50% or less of Area Median Income
- Must live in Larimer County
- Must own and occupy residence – rentals do not qualify
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
State program that helps with wintertime heating costs. Apply between Nov. 1- April 30. LEAP establishes eligibility for other programs, including the Income-Qualified Assistance Program.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Make 60% or less of State Median Income
- Permanent legal resident of the U.S. or have household members who are U.S. citizens
- Pay home heating costs, either directly to utility company or to a landlord as part of rent
Income-Qualified Assistance Program
A reduced electric, water and/or wastewater rate that provides 25% off certain elements of these services. The program also facilitates efficiency and conservation opportunities to further lower bills.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Make 60% or less of State Median Income
- Enrolled in LEAP
- Eligible to both renters and homeowners
Qualifying households that require medically necessary electrical equipment or air conditioning may receive a discounted electric rate.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Make 60% or less of State Median Income
- Physician's signature
- Eligible to both renters and homeowners
Water and Energy Assistance Program
Free home efficiency assessments and product installations through Larimer County Conservation Corps (LCCC). Equipment installed includes LED bulbs, sink aerators, showerheads and toilets. Assessments are offered January-May.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Fort Collins Utilities customer
- Eligible to both renters and homeowners
Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy Program
Free money-saving weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades for qualifying households.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Make 80% or less of Larimer County Median Income
- Live in a participating county and serviced by a participating utility company (Xcel Energy, Platte River Power Authority – Fort Collins)
- Eligible to both renters and homeowners
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades are available for electric customers.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Make 60% or less of State Median Income
- Automatically qualify if receiving assistance from LEAP, Supplemental Security Income, SNAP, TANF, AND or OAP
Larimer Home Improvement Program
Low- to no-interest loans for home repairs and improvements.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Make 50% or less of Area Median Income
- Must live in Larimer County
- Must own and occupy residence – rentals do not qualify
Additional Resources#
Xcel Gas and Electric Affordability Program
- Qualified Xcel customers may receive non-emergency energy assistance.
- Information and referral service that provides a comprehensive list of community resources.
Fort Collins Recreation Department Reduced Fee Program
- The reduced fee program provides people who qualify the opportunity to participate in Recreation programs at a significant discount.
City Discount Programs, Rebates and Services
- City of Fort Collins offers numerous discounts, rebates, and services for qualifying citizens – including a grocery tax rebate, free indoor air quality assessments, and many more.
Did You Know?
Even small projects like planting a shrub require you to plan before digging. Know what’s below. Call 811 before you dig.
Turning off printers, copiers, coffee machines and other equipment at end of day saves energy.
You can reduce ‘vampire’ power waste by unplugging electronics that are not in use or plugging them into a smart power strip.