News Article Archives • Energy Outreach Colorado

Rising Utility Bills Unsustainable for Many Colorado Households

January 12, 2023 June 8, 2023

Public News Service | Eric Galatas Experts are warning Colorado households utility bills currently making their way to mailboxes are likely to be even higher than the supersized bills people received for November’s energy use. Denise Stepto, chief communications officer for Energy Outreach Colorado, said as energy prices have remained stubbornly high, December brought an …

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Connecting CO Health Outcomes to Climate Solutions, Lower Utility Bills

November 29, 2022 November 15, 2023

Public News Service | Eric Galatas A successful program that helps low-income households weatherize homes and lower energy bills is setting its sights on improving the health outcomes of children and older Coloradans at risk of indoor and outdoor air pollution. Ashley Feiertag, director of residential programs for Energy Outreach Colorado, spearheaded its Healthy Homes …

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EOC executive director Jennifer Gremmert

What Makes A Nonprofit Stand Out? Its Leader Sets The Right Tone

November 28, 2022 July 18, 2023

Investor’s Business Daily | Morey Stettner Jennifer Gremmert sought to convince a roomful of utility executives to approve subsidies for low-income consumers in 1996. It didn’t go well. They rejected her argument. “How dare you ask me for this money,” one of them said. “People should pay their energy bill themselves.” “It was shocking to me,” …

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young woman in winter hat with scarf pulled over her face

Staying warm: What does an unheated room do to your body?

November 21, 2022 July 18, 2023

Mention deadly cold and I think of polar explorers with icicles dangling from their beards and mountaineers tackling the heights of Everest; of fingers turning black with frostbite and the chilling clutch of hypothermia.

An ‘invisible’ crisis: Already behind on utility bills, many Americans face a tough winter

November 7, 2022 July 18, 2023

An estimated 1 in 6 American households are already behind on their utility bills after a scorching summer forced them to run air conditioning more than usual, Wolfe says. He and other experts said people are being forced to make tough choices about balancing their rising energy bills with against medicine, food and gas for their cars.

photovoltaic solar panels sits against blue sky

New solar gardens going up around Denver

October 28, 2022 July 18, 2023

Not the kind of garden you might be thinking of, but the kind of garden where you can harvest energy and donate it to low-income families.

blue chart graphic with arrows pointing up

U.S. Heating Costs Expected To Tick up This Winter

October 14, 2022 July 18, 2023

The forecast expects households that heat with oil or gas to experience an increase in cost of 27 percent and 28 percent, respectively, compared to 2021/22.

Xcel Energy Customers Pay Extra Each Month To Help Those Who Can’t Afford Heat

October 14, 2022 July 18, 2023

Utility rates have once again increased and there’s another charge Xcel Energy Customers may notice.

money blowing in the air in front of electric meter

Inflation Reduction Act Good First Step for Low-income Energy Needs

October 10, 2022 July 18, 2023

President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act has been billed as the most significant legislation in U.S. history to tackle the climate crisis, strengthen American energy security, and lower utility bills, and some American households stand to benefit more than others.

New Xcel Energy rates effective as of October 1

October 4, 2022 July 18, 2023

Denver 7 | by Colette Bordelon Some customers concerned about increase combined with Time of Use rates As of October 1, Xcel Energy customers likely noticed a new increase on their bill. Xcel Energy said the increase is because of the rising price of natural gas. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved the new rates, …

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December natural gas bills will jump 54% as Xcel passes a stack of price hikes on to Colorado customers

September 26, 2022 July 18, 2023

The Colorado Sun | Article Written by Mark Jaffe The rate increase “is more than concerning, it is frightening,” state consumer advocate says Come this Christmas, Xcel Energy gas customers will get an unwelcome present from the utility — an approximately 54% increase in their monthly bills compared to Christmas past. The hike …

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A ‘Tsunami of Shutoffs’: 20 Million US Homes Are Behind on Energy Bills

August 23, 2022 July 18, 2023

Surging electricity prices spur worst-ever crisis in late utility payments.

Study provides deeper insights on the health impacts of utility shutoffs

August 9, 2022 July 18, 2023

Energy News Network | Written by Lisa Prevost Connecticut residents who struggle to pay their energy bills often suffer from physical and mental health issues as a result. That is one of many findings in a new study of energy insecurity based on interviews with 22 residents of varying ages and races from around the state. The …

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New contracts will help low-income families in Denver make their homes more energy efficient

August 3, 2022 July 18, 2023

The Denver Gazette | Written by Lindsey Toomer A Denver committee on Wednesday approved two contracts that would help low-income families make their homes more energy efficient through the Healthy Electric Efficient Homes program. Both of the contracts are for three years. The funding for the contracts comes from the city’s Climate Protection Fund. The …

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power lines with lights of city in the background

Inflation is making it difficult for families to cool homes during summer heat waves

August 1, 2022 July 18, 2023

ABC Affiliate, WTXL Tallahassee | Story by Jessie Cohen The hot summer months have been hard on many American families. “I’m worried to hear that one of our families passed away because of it,” said Mayra Avina, the family support services manager for Focus Points Family Resource Center. To survive extreme heat, people in many …

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older woman drinking a bottle of water in front of a fan

Coloradans brace for higher energy bills in summer

June 9, 2022 July 18, 2023

Public News Service | Written by Eric Galatas Coloradans are not likely to see much relief in their utility bills any time soon, as a late May cold spell gives way to the full heat of summer. Fuel disruptions due to the conflict in Ukraine, unbridled oil company profits and other factors have produced higher …

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electric meters in an alley off Larimer Street in Denver’s RiNo district

Your Xcel bill has tons of small charges. Here’s what they’re for.

April 1, 2022 July 18, 2023

CPR News | Written by Miguel Otárola Cutting down on home energy costs is no longer as easy as just switching off the light when you leave a room or insulating the attic, said Denise Stepto, chief communications officer for Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit that provides bill assistance to qualifying residents. Natural gas prices …

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