By: Maggie Bryan | Denver7
Xcel Energy is proposing electric and gas rate increases that would raise the average customer’s bill by about 10% as early as August.
DENVER — Some Coloradans are facing tough decisions as they try to stay cool during this week’s heat wave, especially those on fixed incomes.
Jimmy Cano and his wife, who live in Aurora, received a free portable air conditioning unit Tuesday night thanks to local nonprofit Bright Leaf, an organization that provides food assistance and other resources for seniors in the City and County of Denver.
“Usually right at this time, I would probably be sitting here dripping sweat,” Cano said.
He said the portable AC unit has been a game changer for them as their home does not have a central AC system. But Cano’s wife said their Xcel Energy bill has also climbed over the years, adding pressure to a budget already stretched by Cano’s fixed income.
“It just barely gets me by,” Cano said.
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