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Colorado Public Utilities Commission Grants Partial Variance for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has made a decision regarding a joint petition from Atmos Energy Corporation, Black Hills Colorado Electric, LLC, Black Hills Colorado Gas, Inc., Colorado Natural Gas, Inc, Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), and Public Service Company of Colorado to grant a partial variance from Rule 1105 regarding the disclosure of personal information to support the implementation of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). The Commission has granted a limited waiver for the current winter heating season, allowing utilities to provide associated customer account numbers to EOC for customers who opt-in to donating to LEAP.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has granted a partial variance from Rule 1105, allowing utilities to provide associated customer account numbers to EOC for customers who opt-in to donating to LEAP.
  • The waiver is granted through March 31, 2023, for the current winter heating season.
  • The Commission has directed Staff to confer with EOC and the other Joint Petitioners regarding notice and processes related to the administration of LEAP.
  • Joint Petitioners may file appropriate pleadings to initiate separate proceedings, including a request for rulemaking, if necessary.
  • Utilities are required to provide an opportunity for customers to contribute an optional amount to EOC through their monthly billing statement.
  • EOC uses a highly secure financial database to maintain donor information, following IRS guidelines to ensure compliance as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Statistics:

  • 17 years of effective management of LEAP by EOC for.
  • 20-day time period provided by SS 40-6-114, C.R.S., to file an application for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration.
  • The waiver granted through March 31, 2023.
  • Utilities must provide EOC with all donating customer names, addresses, and monthly donation amounts under Rules 3411 and 4411.

Sources:

  • Decision No. C23-0043 (Colorado Public Utilities Commission)
  • 4 Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR) 723-1, Rule 1105
  • 4 CCR 723-3-3411 and 4 CCR 723-4-4411 (corresponding gas and electric rule requirements regarding the implementation of LEAP)

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