Colorado electricity prices
West region · residential average · EIA Electric Power Monthly March 2026
Residential electricity in Colorado averages 16.74¢/kWh (EIA, March 2026), which is -9.8% versus the US average of 18.56¢ — close to the US average rate. That makes it the #23 of 51 state by price (1 = most expensive). At this rate, a home using 1,000 kWh in a month pays about $167 for energy, and a 1,500 W space heater run 8 hours a day costs about $20.09/month.
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential). Data as of June 2026.
Colorado electricity price at a glance
| Figure | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Residential price (EIA) | 16.74¢/kWh |
| Versus US average | -9.8% (US avg 18.56¢) |
| Price rank (1 = most expensive of 51) | #23 |
| Cost of 1,000 kWh/month | $167 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Cost to run common appliances in Colorado
Monthly cost at typical usage, at the Colorado rate of 16.74¢/kWh, versus the US average:
| Appliance | In Colorado | US average |
|---|---|---|
| Electric space heater | $20.09 | $22.27 |
| Central air conditioner | $46.87 | $51.97 |
| Electric water heater (tank) | $68.74 | $76.21 |
| Refrigerator | $8.37 | $9.28 |
| Electric clothes dryer | $8.37 | $9.28 |
| EV charging (home, Level 2) | $55.80 | $61.87 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026); DOE/ENERGY STAR typical wattage. Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price any of the 36 appliances at the Colorado rate.
How Colorado compares
The five states with the closest electricity price to Colorado:
| State | Residential ¢/kWh | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado (this state) | 16.74¢ | -9.8% |
| South Carolina | 16.45¢ | -11.4% |
| Virginia | 17.05¢ | -8.1% |
| Texas | 16.39¢ | -11.7% |
| West Virginia | 16.37¢ | -11.8% |
| Alabama | 17.15¢ | -7.6% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the electricity rate in Colorado?
The average residential electricity price in Colorado is 16.74¢ per kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, March 2026), which is -9.8% versus the US average of 18.56¢, close to the US average rate. It ranks #23 of 51 from most to least expensive.
Is electricity expensive in Colorado?
Colorado is around average on residential electricity at 16.74¢/kWh, close to the US average rate. Your actual rate depends on your utility and plan; check your bill for your exact price per kWh.
How much does it cost to run a space heater in Colorado?
A 1,500 W space heater run 8 hours a day in Colorado costs about $20.09 per month at 16.74¢/kWh, versus $22.27 at the US average. Use the calculator for other appliances.
What is the average electricity bill in Colorado?
A home using 1,000 kWh in a month would pay about $167 for energy in Colorado at 16.74¢/kWh, before fixed charges, taxes and fees. Typical US household use is around 850 to 950 kWh/month.
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Sources & accuracy
Price: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026), residential average, US public domain. This is a statewide average — your utility's rate, plan and time-of-use pricing can differ. Appliance costs use DOE/ENERGY STAR typical wattage and are estimates (see methodology). Verify with your own bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20