Independent resource. Not affiliated with any utility or energy provider. Data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Verified July 2026
Colorado Electricity Cost 2026: 16.16¢/kWh
Colorado residential electricity rates average 16.16 cents per kWh in 2026, -12.4% vs the 18.44¢ US national average. The state operates a regulated retail market with natural gas/wind as the primary generation source.
State Rate
16.16
cents/kWh
Monthly Bill
$139
at 863 kWh
vs National
-12.4%
national avg 18.44¢
Rank (cheapest first)
23/50
YoY change +3.7%
Market Type
Regulated
Supply rate set by state PUC
Primary Generation
Natural Gas/Wind
per EIA State Energy Profile
Annual Bill (avg usage)
$1,674
vs national $1,910
Colorado electricity market
Regulated state served by Xcel Energy (the dominant utility serving the Denver metro and northern Colorado) and Black Hills Energy (southeastern Colorado), plus a network of municipal utilities and rural cooperatives. Generation mix is shifting fast from coal to wind, with the Comanche 3 coal plant scheduled for early retirement.
Where Colorado residents save
Xcel offers a residential TOU pilot and an EV-specific overnight rate. Solar+battery is increasingly economic given the strong solar resource and net-metering structure. Weatherization Assistance Program serves low-income households.
Primary utilities
- Xcel Energy
- Black Hills Energy
- Tri-State Generation
Colorado bill estimates by usage
| Home Profile | Monthly kWh | Monthly Bill | Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 500 | $81 | $970 |
| Small house | 750 | $121 | $1,454 |
| Average household | 863 | $139 | $1,674 |
| Large house | 1200 | $194 | $2,327 |
| Large house + EV | 1500 | $242 | $2,909 |
Estimates use the Colorado state-average rate of 16.16¢/kWh from EIA data. Your actual bill includes delivery charges, customer-service fees, and state/local taxes already blended into this retail rate, plus any locality-specific surcharges not captured at the state-average level.