Colorado Springs approves new solar billing options with projected $38 average increase
Utilities projects average residential bills under either option will be about $38 a month above approved 2027 frozen-option rates. Eligible existing customers can stay on frozen rates until April 1, 2032.
Colorado Springs City Council approved two new net-metering options for residential and small-commercial customers on Sept. 22. The options take effect April 1, 2027, after a 7-2 vote, the council meeting transcript records.
Utilities projects that residential customers under either new option will have average monthly bills about $38 higher than under approved 2027 rates for the frozen net-metering option. The figure is an average projection, not a guaranteed increase for each household or a comparison with every customer’s current bill; Utilities did not provide a corresponding average for small-commercial customers. The rate-case decision gives the comparison.
The new options address costs Utilities believes current net-metering rates do not recover. Under Energy Wise Net Metering Standard, customers receive monthly credits for excess electricity at applicable time-of-use rates, but unused credits do not carry forward. The option also adds a $1-per-day Grid Access Charge, along with other applicable charges. The Demand option keeps one-to-one energy exchange and monthly credit rollover, but adds seasonal demand charges based on a customer’s highest 15-minute net on-peak demand during the billing period. Which option costs less depends on a customer’s electricity use and generation patterns. The adopted resolution and tariff sheets set out the options.
Eligible existing residential and commercial customers may remain on frozen rates until April 1, 2032, or choose a new option earlier, subject to Utilities’ transition schedule. For residential customers, the tariff limits the frozen-rate transition to customers with agreements dated before April 1, 2027, who are receiving service under the frozen option. New residential customers with agreements dated on or after April 1, 2027, default to Standard unless they request Demand. Existing residential customers who switch to Standard give up monthly credit rollover; Demand retains it.
At an August hearing, all 36 people who spoke opposed the proposal, the rate-case record says.