Thousands of Coloradans rely on LEAP benefits to help pay the heating bills, but this year the government shutdown is impacting that funding.

Last year, 90,000 Coloradans relied on the Low Income Energy Assistance Program in order to help pay their heating bills. This year, the early demand is trending even higher.

However, LEAP is a federal program, and the funding is not coming to Colorado during the government shutdown.

"Right now, we're encouraging Coloradans to continue to apply for LEAP. The applications are open," said Director of the Office of Economic Security Shelley Banker. "But until the government re-opens, we will not have funds for the LEAP program."

Last year, LEAP spent nearly $50 million helping Coloradans pay their winter heating bills. Roughly half of the people who

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