• You must be given a monthly bill for service, showing the net amount due for regulated services.
  
  
• The due date of the bill cannot be earlier than 15 days after the mailing or hand delivery of the bill.
  
  
• Your service may not be disconnected unless unpaid charges are more than 30 days past due.
  
  
• Your electric or natural gas utility may shut off your service only after giving you advance written notice at
  least 15 days before the shut-off date.
  
  
• Residential customers can postpone a shut off for up to 90 days by providing a “medical certification” from
  a doctor stating that disconnecting service would be especially dangerous to the health or safety of the customer or a permanent resident of the customer’s household.

• If service is disconnected due to non-payment, it must be turned on again within 24 hours if you (1) pay the full amount due, (2) enter into a payment arrangement plan with the company, or (3) present a medical certificate.
  
  
• Your electric or natural gas service may not be disconnected on a weekend between noon on Friday and 8 a.m. the following Monday.

Tip of the day…

Did you know?  A full refrigerator takes less energy to operate than an empty one?  Fill up any extra spaces with containers of water placed in the back of your refrigerator or freezer.  Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing new appliances.  The bright yellow and black label will show you the annual energy consumption.  Shop around and compare!

What can Consumers do to Manage Higher Energy Bills?

• Reduce consumption and use energy efficiency measures wherever possible.
  
  
• Enroll in bill payment plans (such as budget billing) to spread out typically higher winter bills over the rest of the year.
  
  
• If you qualify, take advantage of energy assistance funding offered at the state and federal level.
  
  
• Become familiar with your utility’s disconnection policies.

Digital TV

On February 17, 2009, television as we have known it will make the most dramatic change since December 17, 1953, which was the beginning of color television.  All broadcasting stations will cease using analog and begin broadcasting only in digital format.

Change is coming…What is Digital TV?

DTV is coming and sooner than you think.

What you need to know about DTV.

Digital broadcasting offers enhanced picture and sound quality and allows for additional channels.  Will the transition affect you? Are in need of a converter box or coupon.

The Digital TV Transition…What you need to know about DTV.

Available Resources

• If you have questions or complaints about your utility service, you may call the PUC Consumer Affairs section at 303-894-2070 (local) or 1-800-456-0858 (toll-free), or visit www.dora.state.co.us/puc/.
• If you need help paying your energy bills, contact the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program at 1-866-HEATHELP or visit www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap.
• Contact your utility to take advantage of reduced-cost energy-efficiency programs.
• Energy Outreach Colorado (www.energyoutreach.org) is a private, non-profit organization that helps families in need pay energy bills and avoid shutoffs.
• The Governor’s Energy Office (www.colorado.gov/energy/) offers weatherization and other energy-efficiency services for homeowners and businesses.