Programs offered to struggling families in Colorado include Black Hills Cares, LIHEAP, weatherization, and much more. You can call Black Hills Energy at the number below to learn more about all assistance programs that are administered.
Black Hills low income customers can sign up for the federal government funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as (LIHEAP). This federal government created block grant assistance program can help low income households, the disabled and seniors with paying for their home energy bills. Money can be offered to pay regular monthly bills, and a crisis component can assistance if you are on the verge of disconnection. For information on applying for LIHEAP assistance, contact your state LIHEAP agency or local community action agency. In Colorado dial 1-866-432-8435.
The main program offered is known as Black Hills Cares. This is funded by the utility company and donations from customers and local businesses across Colorado. This particular Black Hills Cares Utility Bill Assistance Program provides funds and grants to help low to moderate income people with their emergency energy-related expenses, such as lack of fuel or a broken heating unit. Additional grants can be used to pay energy bills. All donations made are tax deductible, and better yet Black Hills Energy matches customer and employee contributions, dollar-for-dollar so that the greatest number of people can get assistance. Read more.
All money that is part of the Black Hills Cares will be paid out directly to local assistance agencies, such as the Salvation Army and community action agencies, in your part of Colorado. This non-profit assistance agencies will then accept applications and also determine individual customer eligibility and distribute funds to the needy.
As indicated, it is a donation program, and Black Hills Energy makes it easy for anyone to contribute to the fund by including an option to add your tax deductible contribution directly to your monthly utility bill. You can make a one time contribution, or donate on a recurring basis. The energy assistance program is extensive, and over the last 10 year the Colorado Black Hills Cares program has provided more than $2 million in company funds, customer, and employee funds to assist lower income residents.
Black Hills Energy Medically Essential Service Program can help people in Colorado who are faced with a serious medical condition or emergency. This utility assistance program offers qualifying customers one or more of the following:. A limited extension of time to pay their utility bills, offers referrals to charities and social service agencies that provide financial assistance, and can also provide special notification prior to disconnection of service for nonpayment, so customers can secure funds from other options or agencies, or make necessary arrangements.
Weatherization and other energy-efficiency and conservation programs are offered by Black Hills Energy in Colorado. They include include rebates, low-income weatherization programs and energy audits. The goal is to help customers manage energy costs and save money.
Dial Black Hills Energy at 1-888-890-5554 to apply for assistance.