Independent rate reference - not affiliated with any utility or energy supplier. Data: EIA Electric Power Monthly, March 2026.Full disclaimer
ElectricityRatePerKWh

Electricity Rate in Colorado (2026): 16.74c/kWh Average

Residential Rate
16.74¢
per kWh
vs US Avg
-10%
1.82c below
Avg Monthly Bill
$107
673 kWh
Provider Choice
No
Regulated monopoly

Colorado Electricity Rate: What You Need to Know

Colorado electricity averages 16.74 cents per kWh for residential customers as of March 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 1.82c below the US average of 18.56c/kWh. The average monthly bill for Colorado households is $107 based on typical usage of 673 kWh.

Generation mix: Natural gas 40%, wind 30%, coal 20%, solar 10%. The fuel mix is a primary driver of electricity rates - states with abundant hydro or nuclear tend to have lower rates, while states dependent on imported petroleum (Hawaii) or natural gas pay more.

Year-over-year change: Colorado rates rose 11.3% year-over-year as of March 2026. This compares to the US average increase of 8.6% over the same period.

Regulated: You Cannot Switch Electricity Suppliers

Xcel Energy operates as the regulated utility in Colorado. Retail electricity choice is not available for residential customers. Options for reducing your bill include: time-of-use rate optimization, energy efficiency upgrades, and rooftop solar.

Your Colorado Electricity Bill Components

Energy charge (673 kWh x 16.74c)$112.66
Fixed customer charge (estimated)~$10.00
Estimated monthly total$122.66
All Sectors - Colorado
Residential16.74c
Commercial13.01c
Industrial9.77c
Dominant Utility
Xcel Energy
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Adjacent States
Utah13.17c
Wyoming13.59c
Nebraska13.10c
Kansas15.34c
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State pre-selected in our full bill calculator with TOU and commercial modes.

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Colorado Electricity: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electricity rate in Colorado in 2026?+
The average residential electricity rate in Colorado is 16.74 cents per kWh as of March 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 1.82c below the US average of 18.56c/kWh (-10%). The average monthly electricity bill in Colorado is approximately $107 based on 673 kWh typical monthly usage.
Can I switch electricity providers in Colorado?+
No - Colorado operates a regulated electricity market. Xcel Energy serves as the regulated monopoly utility. Customers cannot switch electricity generation suppliers. Options for reducing bills include time-of-use rate optimization (where available), energy efficiency upgrades, and solar installation.
What is the average monthly electricity bill in Colorado?+
The average Colorado household uses approximately 673 kWh per month. At 16.74c/kWh plus approximately $10 in fixed charges, the average monthly bill is $107. This varies by season (higher in summer for cooling-dominant states like Florida, higher in winter for heating-dominant states).
What is the primary electricity source in Colorado?+
Colorado's generation mix is primarily Natural gas 40%, wind 30%, coal 20%, solar 10%. This fuel mix is a key factor in the state's electricity rate - states relying on hydro or nuclear typically have lower rates, while states heavily dependent on natural gas or petroleum (like Hawaii) face higher costs.
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