Colorado Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through July 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 13, 2026
As of July 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Colorado is 17.00¢/kWh (the 22nd-highest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $174.06, per EIA data. That rate is 1.3¢ below the U.S. average of 18.31¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 16.37 | 144.11 | 880 |
| September 2025 | 16.70 | 111.86 | 670 |
| October 2025 | 16.26 | 95.39 | 587 |
| November 2025 | 16.35 | 92.16 | 564 |
| December 2025 | 16.12 | 106.21 | 659 |
| January 2026 | 16.44 | 112.53 | 685 |
| February 2026 | 16.79 | 96.21 | 573 |
| March 2026 | 16.74 | 98.74 | 590 |
| April 2026 | 16.54 | 90.26 | 546 |
| May 2026 | 16.16 | 96.93 | not reported |
| June 2026 | 17.13 | 128.73 | 751 |
| July 2026 | 17.00 | 174.06 | 1024 |
Colorado vs the U.S. average
| Colorado | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (July 2026) | 17.00¢/kWh | 18.31¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $174.06 | $212.44 |
| Average monthly usage | 1024 kWh | 1160 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +6.3% | +4.9% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +27.0% | +32.4% |
Colorado's average residential rate of 17.0¢/kWh for July 2026 ranks 30th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +6.3% (Colorado) versus +4.9% nationally; over five years, +27.0% versus +32.4% nationally. Average usage of 1024 kWh/month compares with 1160 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Colorado's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Colorado
Average effective rates and bills for Colorado's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (July 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Service Co of Colorado | 17.96 | 165.82 | 923 | 1,388,016 |
| City of Colorado Springs | 16.24 | 142.03 | 875 | 222,578 |
| CORE Electric Cooperative | 16.62 | 201.05 | 1,210 | 170,028 |
| United Power, Inc | 16.02 | 224.64 | 1,402 | 106,328 |
| Black Hills Colorado Electric, LLC | 19.37 | 166.71 | 861 | 90,132 |
| City of Fort Collins | 16.10 | 116.43 | 723 | 72,656 |
| Poudre Valley REA, Inc | 11.88 | 149.56 | 1,259 | 51,454 |
Average bill = rate × average usage. Utilities with similar rates can show very different average bills because their customers' average usage differs (housing mix, heating fuel, climate).
Estimate a bill at Colorado rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Colorado's average rate of 17.00¢/kWh is about $170.00. The state's actual average usage is 1024 kWh/month, which is what produces the $174.06 average bill. These are average effective rates including all charges; your utility's tariff will differ.
Wondering what's behind rising rates nationally? See Why is my electric bill so high?, our data-led explainer on demand growth, data centers, and grid costs. Also: Colorado gas prices and why they are what they are, and the cheapest way to heat a home by fuel and state.
Source: EIA retail sales data (residential sector, monthly), published with roughly a two-month lag. Rate = revenue ÷ sales; bill = revenue ÷ customers. We do not project unpublished months. See methodology.