Xcel Energy Colorado

Xcel just filed for
a 9.9% rate increase.
Here's your response.

Xcel Energy serves 1.5 million Colorado customers and controls what you pay for electricity. Sol Country shows every program, rebate, and solar option available to Xcel customers in 2026.

9.9%Filed rate increase 2026
$0.133Current kWh rate
$5,500Max battery rebate
Find my Xcel savings →
2026 Rate Increase

Xcel filed for 9.9%.
Here's what that means for your bill.

Xcel Energy filed for a 9.9% residential electricity rate increase effective August 2026. This follows a 7.4% national average increase in 2026. Colorado customers are seeing some of the fastest-rising electricity costs in the US.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission must approve the increase. If approved, the average Colorado residential customer will pay approximately 10% more per month starting in August.

Xcel Energy rate history + projection
2023$0.117/kWh
2024$0.124/kWh
2025 (current)$0.133/kWh
2026 if approved$0.146/kWh
2030 projected (7%/yr)$0.193/kWh
At $120/month average bill:
Current
$1,440/yr
After increase
$1,583/yr
+$143/yr more
Solar locks your generation cost at $0 — forever.
Xcel Solar Programs

Xcel pays you to
go solar.

Xcel Energy offers several programs that compensate solar customers for their generation and storage. Here's every program available to Colorado Xcel customers in 2026.

Xcel Community Solar
Available now

Subscribe to a Colorado solar farm and receive bill credits from Xcel. $0 upfront. 5-10% off your bill monthly.

Find CS programs →
Xcel Battery Connect
Applications open

Xcel pays up to $5,500 for home battery installation. $250/kW upfront + $100/yr for 5 years. Must be grid-connected.

See battery options →
Net Metering
Rooftop solar only

Rooftop solar customers receive bill credits for excess generation exported to the grid. Credits reset annually in Colorado — battery helps maximize value.

Learn more →
Xcel Renewable Connect
100% renewable option

Choose 100% wind or solar energy through Xcel's Renewable Connect program. Available to all Xcel customers at a small premium per kWh.

See details →
Xcel Battery Rebates

Xcel pays up to $10,000
for home battery storage.

Xcel Energy's battery incentive programs are among the most generous in the US. Two separate programs cover different customers.

Renewable Battery Connect
Up to $5,500
Upfront payment$250/kW installed
Annual payments$100/yr × 5 years
Tesla Powerwall (13.5kW)~$3,375 + $500 = $3,875 total
RequirementGrid-connected, dispatchable battery
StatusApplications open
Verifyxcelenergy.com/BatteryConnect
See eligible batteries →
Safe for Colorado
For medical equipment users in wildfire-risk zones
Up to $10,000
Who qualifiesTier 2-3 wildfire zone + life-sustaining equipment
Equipment examplesCPAP, oxygen, dialysis, refrigerated medication
AmountUp to $10,000 for qualified battery systems
StatusCheck current availability
Verifyxcelenergy.com/SafeColorado
Program availability changes. Verify current status directly with Xcel before purchasing.
Colorado Community Solar

Subscribe to a solar farm.
Xcel applies the credits.

Colorado has one of the most active community solar markets in the US. Xcel Energy customers can subscribe to a local solar farm and receive monthly bill credits — with $0 upfront and no installation required.

ProviderDiscountStatesXcel CompatibleMin Term
SunShare5-10%CONone
Nexamp5-15%CO + othersNone
Common Energy5-10%CONone
Arcadia5-10%46 statesNone
Find my Xcel CS program →
Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Xcel shut off power to
55,000 Colorado customers
in 2024.

Xcel Energy implements Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during extreme wildfire conditions in Colorado. When wind speeds, humidity, and fire risk reach critical levels — Xcel cuts power to reduce the risk of electrical equipment starting wildfires.

These shutoffs can last hours or days. Colorado's Front Range and mountain communities face the highest PSPS risk.

2024 PSPS events in Colorado:
Customers affected: 55,000+
Longest event: 48+ hours
Peak season: July-September
Most affected: Front Range, mountain communities

A battery keeps your essentials running during any PSPS event.

Every option for Xcel customers

Every way to pay less
on your Xcel bill.

Sol Country has analyzed every available option for Xcel Energy customers. Here's the complete list — by upfront cost.

$0 upfront
Community Solar
Subscribe to a solar farm. 5-10% off your Xcel bill monthly.
Learn more →
$0 upfront
Xcel Renewable Connect
Switch to 100% renewable power through Xcel's own program.
Learn more →
$59-249
Smart Thermostat
HVAC is 40-50% of your bill. Save $150-300/yr automatically.
Learn more →
$199-900
Balcony Solar Kit
Legal in Colorado Jan 1, 2027. ~$77-204/yr savings at Xcel rates.
Learn more →
$200
Energy Monitor
Find exactly what's running up your Xcel bill each month.
Learn more →
$2,500-8,000+
Home Battery (+ Xcel Rebate)
Get paid by Xcel Battery Connect AND store your solar power.
Learn more →

Find your complete
Xcel Energy savings plan.

Sol Country checks every Xcel program, rebate, and solar option available at your specific Colorado address — in 30 seconds.

Find my power →
Free · No signupXcel Energy specificAll Colorado programs