(PUEBLO, Colo.) — Black Hills Energy is reducing its originally proposed rate hikes after customers across Southern Colorado reacted negatively.
If the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approves the updated request, residential customers would see an average increase of $15.11 per month. This equates to an approximate 1.75% annual increase over the eight years since Black Hills Energy last changed its rates.
Small commercial customers would see an average of $23.03 per month. Black Hills Energy said bill impacts will vary across customers based on how much energy is used.
The Utility said the new rate is 32% less compared to its original request filed in June. Black Hills Energy proposed rates that would have increased the average residential customer’s electric bill by $20 per month.
“We are listening to our customers,” said Campbell Hawkins, Vice President of Colorado Utilities for Black Hills Energy. “We have adjusted our cost-of-service calculation based on concerns from our customers and input from PUC staff, and the Colorado Office of Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA). The result is a significant reduction to the original proposed bill increase.”
Black Hills Energy said it is asking for the rate increase to adjust for the rising cost of safely and reliably operating and maintaining its Southern Colorado electric system. The system serves about 105,000 customers in Pueblo, Cañon City, Rocky Ford, and surrounding communities. If approved, the new rates would go into effect on March 22, 2025.
“While we’re pleased to propose a change that will result in less impact on our customers, we recognize any increase is challenging,” Hawkins added. “We remain focused on offering solutions for the customers and communities we serve.”
These include:
Energy efficiency and weatherization programs, such as free in-home virtual energy audits and rebates, to help all customers use less
Energy assistance programs to connect customers who need help paying their bills with support programs and resources; this team can be reached by contacting (888) 890-5554
Enhanced economic development support, including new proposed economic development rates, to help Southern Colorado attract new business investment and jobs while reducing rate pressure on customers
Information on the proposed rate change can be found on Black Hills Energy’s website.
