What was approved on September 22, 2026
After a customer survey, focus groups and a public hearing, City Council voted 7–2 to restructure net metering. CSU’s case is that solar customers under the old flat structure didn’t pay for the grid during the 5–9 pm weekday peak, a cost shift CSU puts at about $400 a year per solar customer. You may or may not agree, but it’s now the rule.
The approved package has three parts: five years of grandfathering for existing agreements, a higher system-size cap (200%, up from 120%), and a choice of two new rate options for customers on the new structure.
Option 1: grid access charge with time-of-day credits
You pay a fixed $1.00 per day grid access charge on top of the usual daily facilities charge, and both your usage and your exports are priced by time of day. Solar exported at midday earns the off-peak credit; power you pull from 5 to 9 pm on weekdays costs the on-peak price. There’s no monthly kWh bank — credits are dollars, settled by period.
This option rewards homes that can move usage out of the evening and homes with a battery. Bills are more predictable month to month.
Option 2: demand charge with kWh credits
Your energy is priced flat per kWh and existing customers can keep monthly kWh rollover, but you pay a demand charge based on the single highest 15-minute net draw during on-peak hours each month. Run the dryer, oven and EV charger at 6 pm on one Tuesday and that spike sets your demand charge for the month.
This option rewards discipline and automation. A battery that caps your evening draw is the most reliable way to keep the demand charge low.
Should you rush to get in before April 2027?
CSU says agreements dated before April 1, 2027 keep today’s treatment until April 1, 2032. For a well-sited home, five years under the current structure is real value. But don’t let a deadline push you into a bad system: we’d rather design something that still makes sense after 2032, when everyone moves to the new rates.
Rate structures aren’t guaranteed under a net-metering agreement; CSU says so plainly. Plan for rules that can change again.
Permits in Colorado Springs
Building and electrical permits run through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, which uses its own electronic plan review rather than SolarAPP+. We handle the PPRBD submittal and CSU’s interconnection paperwork together.
Rebates & programs
Programs change often. Status shown is what we could confirm on the date listed — always check with the program before you count on it.
Planned CSU residential battery program
Status unconfirmedNews coverage of the net-metering decision reported that CSU plans a battery program around March 2027. No terms have been published.
Solar rebate (reported)
Status unconfirmedSome installer sites cite a small CSU per-watt solar rebate. We could not confirm it on CSU’s own pages and don’t include it in quotes.
FAQ
Questions we hear
What changed for solar customers at Colorado Springs Utilities?
On September 22, 2026, City Council approved a new net-metering structure: a choice of a $1/day grid access charge with time-of-day credits, or a demand charge with 1:1 kWh credits, plus a 200% size cap and five years of grandfathering for existing agreements.
I already have solar in Colorado Springs. What happens to me?
CSU says customers with agreements dated before April 1, 2027 transition to the new rates on April 1, 2032. You keep today’s treatment until then.
How much will the change cost a typical solar customer?
CSU estimates about $38 a month more under either option, calculated with 2027 rates. Your number depends on usage, system size and the option you choose.
Is my current net-metering rate guaranteed?
No. CSU notes that a net-metering agreement covers the interconnection, not future rate designs, which can change.
Who issues solar permits in Colorado Springs?
The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department handles building and electrical permits; CSU handles the interconnection agreement.
Does all of Colorado Springs get power from CSU?
Most of the city does, but some addresses on the eastern edge may be served by Mountain View Electric Association instead. Check your bill before comparing numbers.