Mercy's Gate logo
Mercy's Gate logo
Utility Assistance
Utilities Assistance

Utility Assistance

Through our partnership with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU Project COPE) and Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), we provide utilities payment assistance to families and individuals struggling financially due to a personal crisis or emergency to avoid disconnects and seasonal hardship.

Eligibility Requirements:

Colorado Springs Utilities - Project COPE

  • You must be experiencing an emergency situation.
  • Your household can only receive COPE assistance once in a 12-month period from any COPE agency.
  • You must have an existing, active account with Colorado Springs Utilities.
  • Your current bill must have a past-due balance or you must have a disconnect notice.
  • You must provide a copy of your utility bill and/or disconnect notice.
  • Assistance of up to $1000 dependent on emergency situation.
    • Please bring a copy of your most current bill along with your disconnect notice if you have one. 
  • Between Nov. 1 and April 30, you must apply and be approved for LEAP (1-866-HEAT-HELP) before applying for COPE assistance.
    • If you are over income or CSU is not your heating source, you’re not required to apply for LEAP. Documentation of exemption is needed to access COPE.
    • Find more information here.
  • Appointments for Project COPE are available by participating in our random drawing.
    Click for more information.

Electric and propane providers other than Colorado Springs Utilities:

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC)

  • EOC funding cannot be used for Colorado Springs Utilities.
  • Your residence must be in El Paso County.
  • You must meet income guidelines.
  • Your household must not have received EOC assistance since Oct. 1, from any agency for this provider.
  • For electric bill:
    • Your account must be past due.
    • You must provide a copy of your utility bill or disconnect notice.
  • For bulk fuel (propane, wood, coal, pellets, etc.):
    • You must be at 30% or less of your supply.
    • 100 gallon or larger propane tank.
    • EOC funding provides up to $1000 toward heating and fuel costs for up to two providers for a total of $2000 per household per grant year (grant year is Oct. 1 to Sept. 30).
    • Appointments for EOC assistance can be scheduled by calling Jenny at 719-427-2115. Appointments for Colorado Springs Utilities Project COPE are not made on this line.
    • Appointments are also available by participating in our random drawing. Click HERE for more information.