Colorado Springs Utilities Energy Wise Rates 2026: Complete Guide to Peak Hours, Costs & How to Save Money
Colorado Springs Utilities Energy Wise Rates 2026: The Complete Guide
Published: June 2026 | Updated with latest official data from CSU
Expert analysis of the new time-of-day electric rates, how they work, how much they cost, and proven ways to lower your bill.
Colorado Springs Utilities fully transitioned most customers to Energy Wise Rates in early 2026. This is the biggest change to residential electricity billing in decades. Your cost now depends on when you use power — not just how much.
How Energy Wise Rates Work
On-Peak Hours (higher rates): Weekdays 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (no weekends or major holidays).
Off-Peak Hours (lower rates): All other times.
Summer months (June–September) have much higher peak rates due to air conditioning demand.
Current Energy Wise Rates (Mid-2026)
| Season | Off-Peak Rate (per kWh) | On-Peak Rate (per kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Oct–May) | $0.07 | $0.14 |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | $0.07 | $0.29 |
Note: These are the variable energy charges only. Your total bill also includes fixed Access & Facilities charges, fuel adjustments (recently decreased), taxes, and fees. Download latest Residential Rate Sheet (PDF).
How These Rates Affect Your Bill
- Designed to be revenue neutral overall for CSU.
- ~50% of customers see lower bills without changing habits.
- The other ~50% may see increases (often $4–$10/month) if they use heavy power during 5–9 p.m. weekdays — especially in summer.
- Recent fuel rate decrease (March 2026) lowered average bills by ~$9.72.
Why CSU Introduced Energy Wise Rates
Peak evening demand is expensive and strains the grid. Time-of-day pricing encourages shifting usage to lower-cost times, delaying expensive infrastructure upgrades while supporting community growth and more EVs/AC use.
Proven Ways to Save Money with Energy Wise
- Use delay-start on washer, dryer, dishwasher — run after 9 p.m. or before 5 p.m.
- Charge EVs overnight or on weekends.
- Pre-cool your home in the morning during summer.
- Use smart thermostats (CSU offers rebates).
- Cook with microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker instead of oven during peak hours.
- Do laundry and chores on weekends (fully off-peak).
Official Tool: Energy Wise Appliance Cost Calculator →
Other Rate Options Available
- Energy Wise Plus — Adds a midday Saver period (9 a.m.–1 p.m.).
- Fixed Seasonal Rate — Flat rate with no time restrictions (higher than off-peak, lower than on-peak).
Contact CSU to switch if the standard plan doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
When Did Colorado Springs Utilities Create Energy Wise Rates?
Colorado Springs Utilities developed the Energy Wise time-of-day rate plan as part of its comprehensive 2025–2029 Rate Case.
Key Timeline
- 2024 — Idea formally proposed and studied as part of the five-year rate plan.
- November 12, 2024 — Approved by Colorado Springs City Council.
- October 1, 2025 — Launched as the default rate for all new and transferring customers.
- Early 2026 (mostly March–April) — Full transition for existing customers with personalized 30-day notices.
The program reflects years of planning to manage growing peak demand from population growth, electric vehicles, and air conditioning use.
Who Benefits Most from Energy Wise Rates?
Approximately 50% of customers are expected to see lower bills automatically — even without changing their habits.
Biggest Winners (Potential Savings: $10–$50+/month)
- Homeowners and renters who already use most electricity outside of 5–9 p.m. weekdays
- People with flexible schedules who can shift laundry, dishwasher, oven, and EV charging to mornings, after 9 p.m., or weekends
- Households willing to pre-cool their homes in summer or pre-heat in winter
- Users of smart thermostats, delay-start appliances, or home automation
- Weekend-heavy users (all-day off-peak on Saturdays & Sundays)
- Energy-efficient homes and lower-usage households
Who May Pay More (Without Adjustments)
- Traditional 9-to-5rs who run high-energy appliances right after work (5–9 p.m.)
- Households with heavy evening air conditioning or cooking routines
Bottom Line: The biggest savings go to customers who are flexible. Even small shifts in usage can turn a potential bill increase into meaningful savings.
Pro Tip: Log into your CSU My Account portal and use the free “My Rate Tool” or Appliance Cost Calculator to see exactly how these rates will affect your household.
Visit the Official CSU Energy Wise Page →
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