Colorado Regulators Approve Xcel Energy Rate Hike, Raising Monthly Bills for Customers
Residential customers will pay about $5 more a month after months of negotiations cut Xcel Energy’s request from $355 million in annual revenue.
- On Wednesday, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved a $157 million revenue hike for Xcel Energy, raising residential bills by an average of $5 monthly and commercial bills by $7.29.
- Xcel Energy initially sought $355 million to fund infrastructure improvements, including replacing 17,771 wood poles and 306 miles of distribution cable, before regulators lowered the request following months of public negotiations and opposition.
- Commercial customers face a $7.29 average monthly increase, while Columbine Hills resident Kelsey Wilson told Denver7, "I can only pay what I can pay," highlighting affordability struggles amid rising costs.
- Commissioners expressed concern over Xcel Energy's capital spending, which reached $6 billion in 2026 despite declining sales since 2021, while company spokesperson Lisa Andersen said the decision was "disappointing."
- Natural gas rate increase requests are expected later this year, as advocacy groups like AARP Colorado continue criticizing Xcel's pattern of annual rate hikes and pushing for consumer-first solutions.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Colorado Xcel customers to see 4.77% rate hike as households say increase will strain already-stretched budgets
Colorado households are pushing back on an incoming electric rate increase, warning that even a small version of the hike would strain budgets already stretched thin by summer and winter energy costs. Customers say the added cost lands at a time when many already struggle to cover basic utility bills, which is part of a wave of frustration over rising costs. Here's what to know Xcel Energy asked regulators for $225 million in additional revenue,…
Xcel Energy bills to increase estimated $5 a month for Colorado residential customers
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday approved an electricity rate increase for Xcel Energy's Colorado customers.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium













