Charge when your utility’s power is cheapest
Fort Collins Utilities uses time-of-day pricing, with on-peak rates at least three times off-peak, so scheduling charging overnight matters a lot there. Xcel customers face a 5–9 pm weekday peak. Most EVs and our chargers let you set a schedule once and forget it.
Solar owners in Fort Collins get extra value from charging in the middle of the day on weekends, since that uses solar that would otherwise be exported at a lower time-of-day credit.
Mountain driving and cold starts
Drivers commuting from Estes Park, the canyons or Red Feather Lakes lose range to cold and elevation climbs, so waking up to a full charge every day matters more than it does in town. A 48-amp circuit covers almost any daily mileage overnight.
Incentives in 2026
The federal §30C home-charger credit ended for chargers placed in service after June 30, 2026. Utility programs vary by territory; check with your utility before buying, since some rebates require pre-approval.
FAQ
Questions we hear
When should I charge my EV on Fort Collins Utilities?
Off-peak. Fort Collins’ time-of-day rates put on-peak at three or more times the off-peak price, so overnight scheduling is the easiest savings there is.
Do I need a permit for an EV charger in Larimer County?
Yes, a Level 2 circuit is electrical work that needs a permit and inspection. We handle it with the county or your city.
Can my EV back up my canyon home?
With a compatible vehicle and a bidirectional system (from about $19,000 installed), yes. It works best if the vehicle is usually home when outages hit.