1. (1)

   1. (a) On and after October 1, 2021, and except as provided in section 40-8.7-104 (2.5)(b), each investor-owned energy utility shall include on its customers' monthly bills a flat energy assistance system benefit charge that a customer is assessed to help finance the low-income energy assistance program.

   2. (b)

      1. (I) Except as provided in subsection (1)(b)(III) of this section, the monthly energy assistance system benefit charge is seventy-five cents for electric service provided and seventy-five cents for natural gas service provided.
      2. (II) Repealed.
      3. (III) Commencing October 1, 2023, the monthly energy assistance system benefit charge shall be adjusted in accordance with changes in the United States department of labor's bureau of labor statistics consumer price index for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood for all items and all urban consumers, or its successor index.
2. (2) Each investor-owned utility shall use the most cost-effective method for implementing the program.
3. (3) This section is repealed, effective January 1, 2029.

Source: L. 2021: Entire section added, (HB 21-1105), ch. 488, p. 3502, § 10, effective September 7. L. 2025: (1)(b)(I) amended, (SB 25-300), ch. 428, p. 2459, § 66, effective August 6.

Editor's note: Subsection (1)(b)(II)(B) provided for the repeal of subsection (1)(b)(II), effective September 1, 2023. (See L. 2021, p. 3502.)