Will your electric bill go up? Colorado Springs Utilities clarifies rate change ahead of ‘time-of-day’ billing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) — Colorado Springs Utilities is clarifying what their new rate change means for the average customer ahead of the change.

Starting October 1, they will transition to an “Energy Wise” rate, which bills based on the time of day. For example, if you use electricity during their peak period of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, you will see higher rates than other periods of time.

“And hopefully, it’s encouraging folks to think about the way they use their electricity and be able to shift some of that usage off the peak period of time,” said Tristan Gearhart, the CFO of Colorado Springs Utilities.

11 News viewers have reached out to the newsroom with concerns, and we asked CSU to clarify some points:

• These rates will not include customers who use solar power.
• These rates will be the new standard for new customers for the time being.
• This will only impact electricity, not water or gas.

Gearhart said they have a plan to include solar customers in the future, with a proposal being introduced to Colorado Springs city council; however, he said if this passes, it won’t be in effect until 2027.

And CSU explained this will first only be for new customers. Starting 2026, though, they said most existing customers will be transitioned to the new rate, and they will be notified ahead of time.

In the meantime, CSU launched a tool to help households visualize how much their electricity usage during peak and off-peak times will impact their bills.

You can try it here.

While using things like a dishwasher or a charger for an electric vehicle will likely cost more money during peak periods than it does now, Gearhart said there are chances for some savings.

“80% of the time, their rates are going to be lower than what they are right now,” he said.

He said if you were to shift the time you charge an electric vehicle, do your laundry or run the dishwasher, you could pay a lower rate. For example, if you typically run the dishwasher at 7 p.m., which would be during peak hours, he suggests moving this either before 5 or after 9.

“We are not asking people to sit in the dark,” Gearhart said. “Make a few small behavior changes, move some of that electricity use off of the five to nine. And it really is an opportunity for them to save.”

CSU also explained that things like turning on lights tend to be generally low-impact as far as cost goes, but they said using larger appliances, like an air conditioner or electric oven, tend to make the difference.

They will be hosting an open house to address questions and concerns on October 7 at their Leon Young facility starting at 5:30 p.m.

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