Charging on a time-of-day utility
Fort Collins Utilities prices power by time of day, with on-peak at least three times off-peak. A car that plugs in at 6 p.m. and charges immediately can cost several times what the same car costs charging overnight. Every charger we install can be scheduled; setting it to start after the peak window ends is the cheapest upgrade you’ll make.
If you have solar, daytime charging when you’re home soaks up production that would otherwise export at a lower credit — a genuine advantage over 1:1 net-metering territories.
Panel capacity is the usual surprise
Older homes near Old Town sometimes have 100-amp service, which may not support a 48-amp charger alongside an electric range or heat pump. We check the load calculation first. Sometimes a lower-amp setting solves it; sometimes a service upgrade is the honest answer.
Bidirectional charging as backup
For homeowners with a compatible EV, we install bidirectional systems that can power the home from the car during an outage, starting around $19,000. It’s a real option, but it depends on your vehicle model supporting it — check before you buy.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Is there still a federal tax credit for home EV chargers?
No. The §30C credit ended for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. Check Efficiency Works and Fort Collins Utilities for any local offers, and verify current terms.
Do I need a permit for an EV charger in Fort Collins?
Yes, a new 240-volt circuit requires an electrical permit from the City of Fort Collins. We pull it as part of the install.
What’s the cheapest time to charge an EV in Fort Collins?
Off-peak hours on Fort Collins Utilities’ time-of-day rate — typically overnight. Check your current rate schedule for the exact on-peak window and program your charger around it.