Money For Energy Utility Bill Payment Assistance

The act directs the state treasurer to transfer, on December 7, 2020, $5 million from the general fund to the energy outreach Colorado low-income energy assistance fund (fund). The Colorado energy office (office) administers the fund for use by Energy Outreach Colorado, which organization provides direct utility bill payment assistance to low-income households. Energy Outreach Colorado must expend the money before June 30, 2021. On or before July 15, 2021, Energy Outreach Colorado is required to report to the office regarding the amount of the transferred money that was disbursed for direct bill payment assistance and the amount returned to the state. The office may audit Energy Outreach Colorado's financial transactions and accounts regarding the money received.

The act prohibits Energy Outreach Colorado from spending any of the money disbursed under the act:

• For administrative purposes; or
• To cover any expenses related to an application requesting direct utility bill payment assistance using money that Energy Outreach Colorado received from money given to the state under the federal "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act", commonly referred to as the "CARES Act".The act requires that Energy Outreach Colorado must spend the CARES Act money it received before December 11, 2020.
  (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)