Black Hills Energy has filed a request with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to increase its electric base rates, citing the ongoing replacement of aging infrastructure. The proposed rate hike would result in an average monthly increase of $10.90, or 8.8%, for residential customers based on an average monthly usage of 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Infrastructure Upgrade

According to Black Hills, the increase is necessary to support the replacement of aging infrastructure, with nearly half of its Colorado electric distribution system equipment being over 50 years old. The company has invested approximately $184 million in strengthening the electric grid since its last rate review in 2024.

Black Hills also plans to introduce a pilot program that would provide a monthly discount to income-qualified customers participating in the Black Hills Energy Affordability Program. The proposed rate increase is set to take effect in March 2027.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.