Colorado Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through August 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 31, 2026
As of August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Colorado is 17.17¢/kWh (the 22nd-highest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $167.04, per EIA data. That rate is 1.0¢ below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 16.49 | 107.52 | 652 |
| October 2025 | 16.08 | 91.72 | 570 |
| November 2025 | 16.19 | 88.67 | 548 |
| December 2025 | 15.97 | 102.23 | 640 |
| January 2026 | 16.44 | 112.53 | 685 |
| February 2026 | 16.79 | 96.21 | 573 |
| March 2026 | 16.74 | 99.01 | 592 |
| 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 |
| August 2026 | 17.17 | 167.04 | 973 |
Colorado vs the U.S. average
| Colorado | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 17.17¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $167.04 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 973 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +5.9% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +27.2% | +30.5% |
Colorado's average residential rate of 17.17¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 30th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +5.9% (Colorado) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +27.2% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 973 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Colorado's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Colorado
Average effective rates and bills for Colorado's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Service Co of Colorado | 18.03 | 155.24 | 861 | 1,388,731 |
| City of Colorado Springs | 16.29 | 129.03 | 792 | 222,790 |
| CORE Electric Cooperative | 16.95 | 180.84 | 1,067 | 170,150 |
| United Power, Inc | 16.76 | 193.92 | 1,157 | 106,701 |
| Black Hills Colorado Electric, LLC | 20.83 | 162.36 | 779 | 90,165 |
| City of Fort Collins | 15.97 | 147.05 | 921 | 72,706 |
| Poudre Valley REA, Inc | 12.04 | 137.55 | 1,143 | 51,521 |
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 17.17¢/kWh is about $171.70. The state's actual average usage is 973 kWh/month, which is what produces the $167.04 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.