Senate Bill 25-068, introduced in the Colorado General Assembly, proposes modifications to the unclaimed utility deposits program, which supports energy bill assistance for income-qualified households. Key aspects of the bill include:
Voluntary Participation for Municipal Utilities: The bill clarifies that municipally owned electric or gas utilities may choose whether to participate in the program.
Funding Source: The program is partially funded by unclaimed deposits—funds owed to utility customers that remain unclaimed for over two years.
Impact on Assistance Programs: Allowing municipal utilities to opt out may slightly reduce the funds available for energy assistance programs, though the municipal share of unclaimed deposits is expected to be minimal.
This legislative effort aims to provide flexibility to municipally owned utilities regarding their participation in the unclaimed utility deposits program.
Summary
The unclaimed utility deposits program (program) helps finance
electric and gas utility bill payment assistance for income-qualified households. The program is partially funded by electric and gas utilities' contributions of money that are owed to utility ratepayers but that has remained unclaimed by the ratepayers for more than 2 years. The bill clarifies that a municipally owned electric or gas utility may elect to participate in the program.
