COLORADO FUEL FUNDS

• The Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) was created specifically to raise and distribute funds to supplement LIHEAP. Originated in 1989 through an executive order of the governor, it is a public/private partnership of government agencies, low-income advocacy groups, the business community, and utilities.

Since 1991, EOC has granted between $1 million and $6 million annually to the state LIHEAP, total contributions for 2001 were $4.5 million. Principle funding sources include a statewide settlement agreement resulting from the decommissioning of the Fort St. Vrain nuclear power plant. EOC received $1 million initially from the settlement, and it receives $1.5 million annually until 2003. Another major funding source is legislation allowing unclaimed deposits and a portion of overcharge refunds to go to EOC. Other income sources are customer contributions and in-kind donations. Typically, EOC raises $3.5 million per year, although funding has been higher some years due to one-time settlements and refunds.

• Care and Share Inc./COPE - customer donations from Colorado Springs Utility Company are administered through COPE Fuel Fund.

LEVERAGING

2001: $4.8 million
2000: $2.8 million
1999: $3.5 million
1998: $4.4 million
1997: $1.2 million
1996: $2.5 million
1995: $910,751

LEGISLATIVE CODE

Unclaimed utility deposits and rate refunds to support EOC, 1998, Colorado Statutes, Title 40, article 8.5, secs.101-107