(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) said customers typically use up to six times more natural gas in the winter than the rest of the year. To help Springs Utilities offers payment assistance along with a federally funded program to help with winter home heating costs.

Starting on Friday, Nov. 1 eligible customers can contact Pikes Peak United Way 211 to apply for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). Springs Utilities said between November 2023 to April 2024 $3 million in LEAP assistance was given.

Springs Utilities said in addition to LEAP, the utility company offers help to customers year-round with Project COPE which provides utility payment assistance to anyone struggling financially due to a personal crisis or emergency, regardless of income.

Springs Utilities along with the Energy Resource Center provide energy and water efficiency home improvements through the Home Efficiency Assistance Program (HEAP). HEAP participants get in-home energy and water audits which are used to make home improvements. Recipients must own the home they live in and meet income guidelines.

Springs Utilities also shared tips to help save energy:

Change the direction of ceiling fans. During colder months ceiling fans should rotate clockwise.  

Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. (Make sure it’s above 45 degrees to apply caulking.)  

Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.  

Keep the fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning.   

Look for other opportunities throughout your home with a self-assessment that can help you find problems.   

Check the furnace filter and change it when dirty. A clean filter allows the furnace to run more efficiently.   

Set the thermostat as low as is comfortable at night or when away from home. Earn a $50 rebate on a smart thermostat.