FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Feb. 3, 2014  Contact: Theresa Kullen, Housing and Human Services, 303-678-6023

Help is Available for Rising Gas Costs in Boulder County

Rapid application processing is available for those who qualify

Boulder County, Colo. – Last week, Four Mile Canyon resident Jonna Augustine opened her propane gas bill and found the charge to fill her 500-gallon tank had nearly tripled to $1,700. She reached out to the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services (BCDHHS) for help and was able to get $700 in assistance to pay the bill through an expansion of the Low-income Energy Assistance (LEAP) program.

“I opened the bill and I think my eyes got as big as saucers,” Augustine says. “I called the gas company and said, ‘Was this a misprint? Did someone put too many digits in here?’ Without the help from the county there was no way I could have made it through this.”

Recent gas shortages led to higher propane prices in parts of the U.S. in recent weeks. Natural gas prices have risen as well. BCDHHS oversees the LEAP program, which provides financial assistance to pay winter heating bills for those who qualify. BCDHHS expanded the program recently under an initiative called Heat Plus to cover more Boulder County residents, and has seen a doubling in emergency LEAP applications with the skyrocketing gas prices. Augustine’s was one of them.

“We’ve heard from people facing utility disconnects and people running low on their heating fuel, among other hardships,” said Theresa Kullen, LEAP Eligibility Specialist Manager for BCDHHS. “We review emergency applications immediately and process the same day when we can. We also work with utility companies to get holds on disconnects, and we’ve got great relationships with Boulder County’s two largest heat source providers.”

Augustine, who is also facing the stress of recovering from the recent flooding in Boulder County (the bridge to her home was destroyed) along with some recent medical problems, says it’s important for more people to know LEAP/Heat Plus is available to help reduce some of the pressures. “I’ve never needed so much help before this past year,” she adds, “and I know there are many others in the same boat.”

Applicants must meet income criteria to qualify for LEAP, including income limits of 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Boulder County’s expansion of the program extends help for those earning up to 185% FPL.

Boulder County residents should contact the state of Colorado LEAP Information Line at 866-HEAT-HELP (866-432-8435) to apply for assistance. Residents can also get help at the Boulder County LEAP office at 1921 Corporate Center Circle, Suite 3-F, in Longmont, or call 303-678-6097.

“We don’t want to see anyone’s heat disconnected due to rising prices,” says Kullen. “Call us today, even if you’re not sure whether you qualify for the help.”

–BoulderCounty.org–