Colorado Electricity Rates: Xcel Energy and Black Hills

Colorado Electricity Rates: Xcel Energy and Black Hills

Colorado's electricity market is dominated by Xcel Energy, with Black Hills Energy serving the southern part of the state. Here's your guide to understanding Colorado rates.

Colorado Utilities

Xcel Energy Colorado

Service area: Denver metro, Front Range, most of Colorado

Customers: ~1.5 million

Average rate: ~14.5 cents/kWh

Black Hills Energy Colorado

Service area: Pueblo, Colorado Springs area, southern Colorado

Customers: ~100,000

Average rate: ~13.2 cents/kWh

Rate Comparison

| Utility | Avg. Rate | Base Charge | TOU Available |

|---------|-----------|-------------|---------------|

| Xcel CO | 14.5¢ | $9.00 | Yes |

| Black Hills CO | 13.2¢ | $12.00 | Yes |

Xcel Energy Rate Plans

Standard Residential Rate

• Service charge: ~$9.00/month
• Energy charge: ~14-15 cents/kWh
• Tiered structure for high usage

Time-of-Use Rate

• Off-peak: ~10 cents/kWh
• On-peak (3-7 PM): ~20 cents/kWh
• Significant savings potential

Electric Vehicle Rate

• Super off-peak overnight: ~6 cents/kWh
• Ideal for EV charging

Colorado Rate Trends

Colorado rates have increased approximately 6.2% year-over-year due to:

• Clean energy transition investments
• Wildfire mitigation costs
• Grid modernization
• EV infrastructure expansion

Key Takeaways

• Black Hills offers lower rates in southern Colorado
• Xcel's TOU and EV rates offer significant savings potential
• Colorado rates are above the national average
• Clean energy investments are driving rate increases
• Use Utility Check to find your optimal rate plan — view pricing