City and County of Denver, CO

02/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/02/2026 12:30

Denver celebrates National Energy Assistance Day

Denver celebrates National Energy Assistance Day

Published on February 02, 2026

On National Energy Assistance Day, the City and County of Denver is urging community members to take advantage of no- and low-cost programs that can lower utility bills, prevent heating emergencies, and help families stay safe and warm this winter. The city is also highlighting investments in clean energy that are saving Denverites money.

"On days like today, we want Denver families to know they're not alone and that together we can build a city where every neighborhood is powered by clean energy and resilient to climate risks, while making life more affordable right now," said Mayor Mike Johnston.

Reducing energy burden is critical to ensuring affordability for people in Denver. Just this year, more than 9,200 Denverites have received between $200 and $1,000 in energy bill assistance through partnerships with Energy Outreach Colorado and the State of Colorado. Denverites who apply for assistance may also be eligible to receive furnace repair and replacement in heat-related emergencies and weatherization services, pending the results of a home energy audit.

"Energy affordability is a critical but often overlooked part of the cost of living conversation," said Jennifer Gremmert, CEO of Energy Outreach Colorado. "Our approach combines crisis support, long-term energy solutions, and advocacy to ensure energy remains affordable for all Coloradans."

Where Denverites can find get help today:

  • LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program): Winter heating assistance is open through April 30, 2026. Benefits are typically paid directly to your utility provider. Apply in minutes at Denvergov.org/LEAP.
  • Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC): EOC's Bill Payment Assistance Program provides emergency funds for eligible Coloradans. The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) offers free emergency furnace repairs or replacements for income-qualified households. Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP or visit EOC's website to get help started.
  • Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA): TRUA supports Denver residents facing unexpected financial hardship with rent and utility bills, including past-due balances. TRUA will reopen for new applications at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and close at 9:59 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Learn more and apply at Denvergov.org/RentHelp

Clean Energy Investments That Lower Costs for Denver Families

Denver is pairing emergency assistance with long-term investments that reduce energy bills for years to come.

Community Solar for Affordability

Denver is building community solar gardens at schools, recreation centers and more delivering renewable energy to nearby facilities and donating electric bill credits to families needing bill relief, including DPS households enrolled by Energy Outreach Colorado. Recent projects include solar canopies at DPS sites and an agrivoltaics at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. Since the beginning of the community solar program, 333 households have received bill credits, resulting in $287,412 in bill savings. Learn more about Denver's community solar program on the City and County of Denver website.

Home Electrification & Weatherization

Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency and community partners are delivering cost-saving electrification upgrades at affordable housing projects-replacing gas equipment with efficient heat pumps that provide heating and cooling and can lower energy costs while improving indoor air quality.

EV Access for Lower Fuel Costs

Denver is expanding EV charging at affordable multifamily communities, in partnership with Xcel Energy and property owners, making it easier than ever to drive electric. The city is also expanding public charging options around town, and there are now 34 Level 2 chargers with 63 available charging ports across the city where Denverites can charge your electric car for free. Denver estimates that more than 3 million miles are driven annually by EVs were powered by city-owned chargers. Learn more about Denver's work to expand public EV charging on the City and County of Denver's website.

State Vehicle Exchange Colorado (VXC) Program

Income-qualified households can trade in an older, high-emitting vehicle for a point-of-sale rebate on an EV or PHEV-up to $9,000 for new and $6,000 for used vehicles, plus potential state tax credits. EVs cut fuel and maintenance expenses an estimated 60-70% compared to gas cars. Since gasoline alone accounts for over half of a typical household's annual energy spending, these changes can make energy more affordable for Denverites. More information about the Vehicle Exchange Colorado program can be found on the State of Colorado's website.

City and County of Denver, CO published this content on February 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 02, 2026 at 18:30 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]