Colorado Springs approves two solar net-metering options for 2027

Colorado Springs City Council approved two new net-metering options on Sept. 22 for residential and small-commercial customers, effective April 1, 2027. The vote was 7-2, according to the meeting transcript. Utilities said the changes address costs it believes current net-metering rates do not recover. The adopted resolution and tariff sheets set out the terms.

Under the Energy Wise Net Metering Standard option, customers receive monthly credits for excess electricity at applicable time-of-use rates, but unused credits do not carry forward. The option also includes a $1-per-day Grid Access Charge, in addition to other applicable charges. The Demand option preserves one-to-one energy exchange and monthly credit rollover, but adds seasonal demand charges based on the customer’s highest 15-minute net on-peak demand during the billing period. Which option costs less for a customer depends on their electricity use and generation patterns.

Existing residential and commercial customers may stay on frozen rates until the transition to the new rates on April 1, 2032, or request an earlier switch beginning April 1, 2027, subject to Utilities’ transition schedule. Customers who switch to Standard give up monthly credit rollover; Demand retains it. New customers entering the program under agreements dated on or after April 1, 2027, default to Standard unless they request Demand.

Utilities projected that average residential net-metering bills would rise about $38 per month under either option, compared with approved 2027 rates under the frozen schedule. The estimate is for an average customer, not a guaranteed increase for every household. At an August hearing, all 36 people who spoke opposed the proposal, the rate-case hearing record says.