Energy Calculators

Electricity rates in Colorado

The average residential electricity price in Colorado was 17.17¢/kWh in August 2026, 5.5% below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh (EIA).

Average price (Aug 2026)
17.17¢/kWh
Change vs Aug 2025
+5.9%+0.96¢/kWh
Rank (1 = most expensive)
22ndof 51
vs U.S. average
−5.5%−0.99¢/kWh

Colorado residential electricity price, last 12 months

Colorado vs U.S. average residential electricity price, last 12 monthsColorado: 16.5¢ in Sep 2025, 17.2¢ in Aug 2026. Low 16.0¢, high 17.2¢.15.0¢16.0¢17.0¢18.0¢19.0¢20.0¢Nov 2025Feb 2026May 2026Aug 2026
· cents per kWh
Show data table
MonthColoradoU.S. average
Aug 202617.2¢18.2¢
Jul 202617.0¢18.3¢
Jun 202617.1¢18.4¢
May 202616.2¢18.4¢
Apr 202616.5¢18.9¢
Mar 202616.7¢18.6¢
Feb 202616.8¢17.6¢
Jan 202616.4¢17.4¢
Dec 202516.0¢17.1¢
Nov 202516.2¢17.8¢
Oct 202516.1¢17.9¢
Sep 202516.5¢18.1¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Aug 2026). Retrieved November 5, 2026. About our data

What common appliances cost to run in Colorado

Worked examples at 17.17¢/kWh, the August 2026 average:

  • Running a 1,500 W space heater 6 hours a day for 30 days uses 270 kWh and costs about $46.36.
  • Running a 3,500 W central air conditioner 8 hours a day for 30 days uses 840 kWh and costs about $144.23.
  • Running a refrigerator using 500 kWh per year uses 500 kWh and costs about $85.85 a year.

Try your own appliance in the appliance cost calculator.

Typical monthly use and bill

Colorado residential customers used an average of 658 kWh a month in 2025 (EIA annual data). At 17.17¢/kWh, that works out to about $112.98 a month.

States with similar prices

Compare all 50 states and DC

Frequently asked questions

Is electricity expensive in Colorado?

Colorado ranked 22nd most expensive of 51 (50 states and DC) in August 2026, at 17.17¢/kWh versus the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.

How have Colorado electricity prices changed over the past year?

The average residential price rose from 16.21¢/kWh in August 2025 to 17.17¢/kWh in August 2026, a change of +5.9%.

What is a typical electric bill in Colorado?

Residential customers in Colorado used an average of 658 kWh a month in 2025. At 17.17¢/kWh that is about $112.98 a month. Use the electric bill calculator for your own usage.

Why might my Colorado rate differ from this average?

The state average blends every utility, rate plan and fixed charge in the state. Utilities, co-ops and municipal providers set different tariffs, and time-of-use or tiered plans change the price of each kWh. Divide your bill total by your kWh for your own average rate.

Data last updated: