HB 21-1105 Summary

• Creates a fuel assistance payment program starting January 1, 2024, where the state department makes annual fuel assistance payments to eligible households receiving SNAP benefits but not LEAP assistance to help them qualify for the federal standard utility allowance.

• Establishes the Supplemental Utility Assistance Fund and implements an energy assistance system benefit charge of $0.75 per month ($0.50 initially through September 2022) collected from investor-owned utility customers starting October 2021 to fund low-income energy assistance programs.

• Allows Colorado water utilities to voluntarily participate in a water assistance program where customers can make optional contributions on their billing statements to support water bill payment assistance for low-income households.

• Restructures the Legislative Commission on Low-Income Energy and Water Assistance to seven members (down from eleven) beginning May 1, 2022, with representation from state agencies, utilities, and low-income communities.

• Allocates a portion of energy assistance system benefit charge revenue to the Supplemental Utility Assistance Fund for fuel assistance payments, requires at least 2% allocation for community outreach, and allows customers who receive direct utility assistance to opt out of the monthly charge.