The five-year window
If your net-metering agreement is dated before April 1, 2027, CSU says you stay on today’s structure until April 1, 2032. That means kWh credits and summer-to-winter rollover for five more years. Permit and interconnection timelines at PPRBD and CSU take time, so if you want in before the cutoff, start early.
Design for 2032, not just 2027
Every system eventually lands on Option 1 or Option 2. Under Option 1, west-facing panels that produce later in the afternoon, plus a battery for 5–9 pm, get more value. Under Option 2, the system matters less than controlling your evening peak.
The size cap is now 200%, but oversizing is rarely smart under time-of-day credits: midday exports earn the off-peak value, which is far lower than what you pay on-peak.
Where solar may not pay off
A small bill, a shaded roof or a plan to move in a few years can push payback beyond what’s reasonable under the new rules. We’ll run your numbers on both options and tell you if a lease, a smaller system or waiting makes more sense. Our Springs net-metering calculator compares old and new treatment side by side.
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 does the new Colorado Springs net metering start?
CSU says agreements dated before April 1, 2027 move to the new rates on April 1, 2032. Newer agreements appear to start on the new structure, but CSU hasn’t published a separate effective date for new installs — confirm with CSU when you apply.
Which new CSU solar option is better, grid access or demand?
Option 1 (grid access) suits homes with a battery or that can shift evening use, and it gives steadier bills. Option 2 (demand) suits disciplined households or those with a battery that caps evening draw. CSU estimates similar average bill impact for both; your habits decide.
Is solar still worth it in Colorado Springs?
Often, yes, for owners with good roofs and steady usage — especially if the agreement is in before April 1, 2027. Payback is longer than before, and for small bills it may not pencil out.
Does the new CSU cap let me install a bigger system?
Yes, the cap rose from 120% to 200% of usage. Under time-of-day credits, though, surplus exports earn off-peak value, so bigger isn’t automatically better.