Contact: Megan Burch, Eagle County Economic Services, 970-328-8815 or megan.burch@eaglecounty.us 

The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is now available for eligible homes through April 30, 2012. Qualifying limited-income households may receive assistance to pay a portion of their home energy bill. 

Households may qualify for LEAP assistance if anyone within the home is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; heating costs are paid directly to an energy provider or is included in the rent; and gross monthly household income is within income guidelines.  The State of Colorado has reduced the maximum allowable income level for LEAP from 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) to 150 percent of FPG. The updated maximum gross monthly household income limit, based on number of eligible household members, is as follows:

Household Size     Monthly Income - 150% of FPG
    1                             $1,361
    2                             $1,839
    3                             $2,316
    4                             $2,794
    5                             $3,271
    6                             $3,749
    7                             $4,226
    8                             $4,704

Each qualified household may receive only one LEAP benefit for the winter season. Factors such as income, type of heat being used, type of dwelling and number of people in the household are considered before an amount is awarded to an applicant. Funds for home heating system repairs may also be available.

An additional resource for those struggling with high heat bills is the Governor’s Energy Office Energy Management Program, also known as the Weatherization Program. The program is available to assist low- and moderate-income households reduce their heating costs through services such as insulation, caulking and weather-stripping, as well as the installation of new storm windows and new energy-efficient furnaces and refrigerators. Those who qualify for LEAP, Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), Old Age Pension (OAP) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for these weatherization services.

Applications for LEAP may be picked up from any of three county office locations in Avon, Eagle and El Jebel. To request an application by mail or for more information on LEAP and other available resources, call Eagle County Health & Human Services at 970-328-8840 or Heat Help at 1-866-432-8435. For more information on the Weatherization Program, call 1-800-332-3669 or visit www.nwccog.org and click on “Weatherization Program.”