Payment Assistance

Which Utilities Affordability Programs do you qualify for?

Step 1: Confirm that you are a Fort Collins Utilities electric, water or wastewater customer.

Step 2: Determine your household's gross annual income (the amount of money that everyone in your household earns over the course of a year, before taxes).

Step 3: Reference the table below to determine which affordability programs you qualify for and apply.

View a full list of available programs on the next tabs. 

Neighbor to Neighbor Utility Assistance (N2N)

If you are struggling to keep up with your utility costs, Neighbor to Neighbor is accepting applications for utility assistance. They also offer rent assistance.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Make 80% or less of Area Median Income

Request Utility Assistance

Payment Assistance Fund (PAF)

Residential customers whose electric or water accounts are past-due may request assistance from the Payment Assistance Fund once per 12-month period (Oct. 1-Sept. 30).

• Eligibility Requirements:
• Make 80% or less of Area Median Income
• Bill is past due

 Eligible to both renters and homeowners

Need help paying your bill? Residential customers whose electric or water accounts are past-due may request assistance from the Payment Assistance Fund once per 12-month period (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30). An intake worker will interview you and contact Utilities for information about your account. You must make 80% or less of the Area Median Income. If you qualify and money is available, you'll receive assistance that can be credited to your electric and water charges.

Contact one of the agencies below to apply for assistance:

• Goodwill of Colorado | 888-775-5327
• Catholic Charities Larimer County | 970-484-5010
• La Familia/The Family Center | 970-221-1615
• Neighbor to Neighbor | 970-829-0296
• Colorado State University | 970-491-8051 | Apply online

Donate to the Payment Assistance Fund

You can help those in need with a monthly or one-time donation to Utilities’ Payment Assistance Fund. One hundred percent of donations assist families and individuals in our community. Every donation is matched dollar-for-dollar by Energy Outreach Colorado, so your gift goes even further. All donations, no matter the size, make a difference.

After following the link, please select "Payment Assistance Fund" from the "Gift Designation" dropdown.

Donate Today

There are several ways to donate to the Payment Assistance Fund: 

• Make a one-time donation with your debit or credit card online with NCR.
• Add a one-time or monthly donation to your utility bill by filling out and mailing in a donation form.
• Make a cash or check donation by filling out the donation form and mailing it in.

Donations may be tax deductible. We will send a year-end letter/receipt to donors in January. Consult your tax advisor.

Crisis Intervention Program

Provides free emergency repair or replacement of failed heating systems. Services are available year-round.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled in LEAP

Request Emergency Assistance

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

State program that helps with wintertime heating costs. Apply between Nov. 1- April 30. LEAP establishes eligibility for other programs, including the Income-Qualified Assistance Program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Make 60% or less of State Median Income
• Permanent legal resident of the U.S. or have household members who are U.S. citizens
• Pay home heating costs, either directly to utility company or to a landlord as part of rent

Apply for LEAP

Income-Qualified Assistance Program (IQAP)

A reduced electric, water and/or wastewater rate that provides 25% off certain elements of these services. The program also facilitates efficiency and conservation opportunities to further lower bills.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Make 60% or less of State Median Income
• Enrolled in LEAP
• Eligible to both renters and homeowners

How it Works

Step 1: Apply for LEAP

• LEAP acceptance qualifies you for IQAP, as long as your household has active Fort Collins Utilities service(s). LEAP applications are accepted Nov. 1-April 30.
• For assistance, contact LEAP at 866-432-8435 or LEAPHELP@GoodwillColorado.org

Step 2: Automatic Enrollment in IQAP

• If you were approved for LEAP in the current season (Nov. 1-April 30), you will be automatically enrolled in IQAP.

Step 3: Learn Tips to Save Water and Electricity

• Once enrolled in IQAP, participate in free efficiency and educational activities (approximately 2-5 hours per year) to reduce your energy and water use, which can lower your utility bill.

More Utilities Programs and Rebates

Water and Energy Assistance Program

Free home efficiency assessments and product installations through Larimer County Conservation Corps (LCCC). Equipment installed includes LED bulbs, sink aerators, showerheads and toilets. Assessments are offered January-May.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Fort Collins Utilities customer
• Eligible to both renters and homeowners

Sign up for an Assessment

Colorado’s Affordable Residential Energy Program (CARE)

Free money-saving weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades for qualifying households.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Make 80% or less of Larimer County Median Income
• Eligible to both renters and homeowners

Apply for CARE Assistance

For more information, visit us at one of our events

Xcel Gas and Electric Affordability Program

• Qualified Xcel Energy customers may receive non-emergency energy assistance.