Scheduling matters more on a demand charge
A Level 2 charger can draw 7 to 11 kW. On Option 2, one on-peak charging session can become the highest 15-minute peak of the month, and at CSU’s summer rate of $0.3608 per kW per day, that’s a costly habit. Set the charger to start after 9 pm on weekdays, and the problem disappears.
Off-peak charging on Option 1
Under Option 1’s published components, off-peak energy runs about $0.10 per kWh all-in, against more than three times that in summer on-peak hours. Overnight charging keeps EV fuel cheap even with the new daily grid access charge.
Credits and rebates
The federal §30C charger credit ended June 30, 2026. We haven’t confirmed a current CSU home-charger rebate; check CSU’s programs page before you buy.
Utility type
Municipal utility
How exports are credited
Exports credited at the time-of-day rate when sent
System size limit
200% (raised from 120% under the 2026 changes).
Net metering, in plain English
Today, CSU credits excess solar as kWh that offset later usage, with summer surplus carrying into winter. Under the new structure, new customers choose Option 1 (a $1.00/day grid access charge, time-of-day rates, and separate on-peak and off-peak dollar credits with no monthly kWh rollover) or Option 2 (a demand charge on the highest 15-minute on-peak demand each month, a flat per-kWh rate, and kWh rollover). The system-size cap rises from 120% to 200% of usage.
Time-of-use: CSU’s Energy Wise time-of-day rates use a 5–9 pm Monday–Friday on-peak window. Under the new net-metering Option 1, solar customers are billed and credited on those periods, with summer on-peak energy priced roughly four times off-peak in CSU’s published components.
Sources & dated facts
- Customers with net metering agreements dated before April 1, 2027 transition to the new net metering rates on April 1, 2032.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- Option 1 (Grid Access Charge): Access & Facilities $0.7269/day + new Grid Access Charge $1.0000/day; per-kWh A&F summer on-peak $0.3089 / off-peak $0.0772, winter on-peak $0.1544 / off-peak $0.0772; Electric Cost Adjustment on-peak $0.0411 / off-peak $0.0206; Electric Capacity Charge $0.0066/kWh. On-peak is 5–9 pm Monday–Friday. No monthly kWh rollover.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- Option 2 (Demand Charge): A&F $0.8265/day; demand charge per kW per day on highest net 15-minute on-peak monthly demand — summer $0.3608, winter $0.2462; A&F $0.0294/kWh; ECA $0.0233/kWh; ECC $0.0066/kWh. Monthly kWh rollover kept for existing customers.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- CSU estimates both options increase a typical solar customer’s bill by about $38/month (calculated with 2027 rates); news coverage reported $30+/month.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
FAQ
Questions we hear
When should I charge my EV on Colorado Springs Utilities?
Outside 5–9 pm Monday through Friday. Overnight is simplest; weekend daytime is off-peak too.
Will an EV charger raise my CSU demand charge?
Only if you charge during on-peak hours on Option 2. Scheduled off-peak charging doesn’t affect the on-peak demand measurement.
Is there a CSU rebate for a home EV charger?
We haven’t confirmed one as of September 2026. The federal charger credit ended June 30, 2026.