Colorado utility guide

Solar & batteries with Highline Electric Association

Highline Electric Association’s posted net-metering schedule works differently from most co-ops: excess generation is credited at the co-op’s average cost of energy from the prior calendar year, not banked kWh-for-kWh, and there’s a 2,000 kW limit on net metering across all members, first-come, first-served. With irrigation making up more than half of Highline’s energy sales, the strongest solar cases here are often farm loads that use power while the sun shines.

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Utility type

Electric cooperative

Wholesale: Tri-State Generation and Transmission

How exports are credited

Excess credited at avoided cost — well below retail

System size limit

25 kW (25–100 kW case by case); 2,000 kW aggregate program cap

Net metering, in plain English

Net metering up to 25 kW; 25–100 kW decided case by case by the board. Aggregate cap of 2,000 kW across all members, first-come first-served. Not available to members on a time-of-use rate. Excess generation is credited at the Association’s average cost of energy from its power supplier for the preceding calendar year, paid monthly or yearly depending on rate class. Fees: $50 sizing/payback analysis and $350 net-meter installation.

Time-of-use: 2026 residential: $45.00/month, $1.00/kW demand (60-minute peak), $0.1147/kWh for the first 750 kWh and $0.1087 after. Residential time-of-use requires at least 9 kW of electric heat ($0.1452 on-peak, 12–3 p.m. and 5–10 p.m. weekdays; $0.0603 off-peak) and isn’t available with net metering.

Sources & dated facts

Colorado law (C.R.S. 40-9.5-118) requires every electric co-op to offer net metering to systems of at least 10 kW residential and 25 kW commercial, carry excess kWh forward month to month one-for-one, and credit any annual excess within 60 days.As of Sep 23, 2026
Highline net metering: 25 kW cap (25–100 kW case by case); 2,000 kW aggregate cap; not available on time-of-use rates; excess credited at the average cost of energy from the preceding calendar year, paid monthly or yearly by rate class.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
Fees: $50 sizing and payback analysis; $350 net-meter installation; capacity reserved for one year after the interconnection agreement is signed.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
Highline serves Logan, Weld, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties in Colorado plus four Nebraska counties; irrigation is 52.1% of energy sales.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source

Irrigation country

Highline serves the northeast corner of Colorado — territory in Logan, Weld, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties — plus four Nebraska counties, from its Holyoke headquarters. Irrigation is 52.1% of its energy sales. Pumps that run through sunny summer afternoons are a good match for solar, because production is used on site instead of exported.

How exports are valued

Highline’s posted schedule credits excess generation at the co-op’s average cost of energy from the prior calendar year rather than banking kWh one-for-one, so a kWh you export is worth well under the $0.11/kWh you pay. State law sets a kWh-carryforward floor for co-op net metering; ask Highline how its schedule applies to your system before you size it.

Either way, systems sized to daytime use pay back best. Net metering isn’t available on the time-of-use rate, and there’s a 2,000 kW cap across all members, so apply early if you’re serious.

Wind, hail and big open roofs

Plains homes, shops and grain buildings offer unshaded roofs and space for ground mounts. Hail and high wind are the design constraints; we specify modules and racking for both and confirm insurance coverage before we build.

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.

Rebates and on-bill repayment

Status unconfirmed

Highline lists EV charger rebates and on-bill repayment; no solar or battery rebates. Confirm EV amounts with the co-op.

Program page

FAQ

Questions we hear

Can I be on Highline’s time-of-use rate with solar?

No. Highline’s net-metering schedule isn’t available to members on a time-of-use rate.

What does Highline charge to set up net metering?

$50 for a sizing and payback analysis and $350 for the net meter installation.

Is there a limit on how many members can net-meter?

Yes — 2,000 kW across all members, first-come, first-served. Capacity is reserved for one year after you sign the interconnection agreement.

Does solar make sense for irrigation on Highline?

Often it does, when pumps run during daylight and use the power directly. Above 25 kW, Highline’s board decides case by case, so we start with a conversation with the co-op.

Get honest numbers for your roof

Our Colorado crew looks up your utility’s current rules, models your roof, and tells you straight — including when solar or a battery won’t pay off.

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