Utilities setup and providers in Colorado: Contact utility companies before moving. Research local energy providers. Understand average utility costs. Set up accounts ahead. Know heating options. Explore renewable energy incentives. Check water quality reports. Be aware of regional regulations. Ask about service transfer fees. Consider bundled service packages.
Contact utility companies before moving.
To set up utilities in Colorado, contact the relevant providers for your area, such as Colorado Springs Utilities for water, gas, and electric in Colorado Springs, Xcel Energy or Black Hills Energy for electricity and gas in other areas, and local ISPs for internet services. It is important to visit the Move.org website to gather comprehensive details tailored to your specific location. Be prepared to provide your address, phone number, and desired start date when contacting these utilities.
Research local energy providers.
In Colorado, the primary local energy providers include two investor-owned utilities, Black Hills Energy and Xcel Energy (Public Service Company of Colorado), as well as 29 municipal utilities and 22 rural electric cooperatives. These utilities provide electricity at both retail and wholesale levels, with investor-owned utilities regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
Understand average utility costs.
In Colorado, the average monthly utility bill for gas, electric, water, and internet is approximately $370. This includes $91.96 for energy, $39 for water, $47 for gas, and $30 for internet, among other costs. For more detailed insights about living expenses, you can visit the Cost of Living in Colorado page. Understanding these expenses is crucial for anyone planning to move to or reside in this beautiful state.
Set up accounts ahead.
To set up utilities in Colorado, contact your city's public utilities department for water and sewer services, and choose from providers like Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy, or municipal utilities for electricity and gas. For internet, select from various ISPs available in your area, and ensure to provide necessary information and set up payments ahead of your desired start date. For more detailed guidance on arranging these services, you can consult Move.org, which offers valuable insights into utility setup in Colorado.
Know heating options.
In Colorado, popular heating options for homes include radiant floor heating, known for its even heat distribution and energy efficiency, solar heating, which provides a renewable energy source, and geothermal heating that ensures consistent year-round temperatures with high energy efficiency. Midway through the list of alternatives, Easton Homes highlights electric furnaces and heat pumps, which are gaining traction as eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based systems.
Explore renewable energy incentives.
Colorado provides a robust array of renewable energy incentives to its residents, making the transition to solar energy more accessible and appealing. These incentives include a significant 30% federal solar tax credit, along with sales tax exemptions that ease the financial burden on homeowners. Additionally, local utilities such as Holy Cross Energy and San Miguel Power Association offer rebates, complementing programs from EnergySmart Colorado and city-specific initiatives in places like Fort Collins and Boulder. For more detailed information on Colorado's solar incentives, you can explore the CNET website. These incentives are designed to bolster renewable energy adoption by providing rebates per kilowatt for solar energy systems, battery system rebates, and net metering credits, significantly offsetting initial installation costs.
Check water quality reports.
When it comes to understanding the quality of drinking water in Colorado, it's crucial to explore comprehensive resources that shed light on the subject. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) website offers an in-depth report on the drinking water quality across different utilities in the state. This includes valuable insights into test results, the presence of various contaminants, and any violation points that utilities may have accrued according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Additionally, Castle Rock provides its residents with detailed annual water quality reports. These reports not only outline the source of the water but also thoroughly present testing results and confirm compliance with health-based standards, ensuring there's no record of health-related violations or enforcement actions.
Be aware of regional regulations.
In Colorado, natural gas utilities are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, which ensures reliable and competitive gas supply, nondiscriminatory delivery services, and protection for low-income consumers, with specific requirements for customer service and compliance procedures.
Ask about service transfer fees.
In Colorado, particularly for the Southwest Suburban Denver Water & Sanitation District and the Grant Water and Sanitation District, a $75 Utility Transfer Fee is charged. A Status of Account and Utility Transfer Information form must be obtained and signed by the new homeowner at closing. For more details, you can visit the Southwest Suburban Denver Water & Sanitation District website.
Consider bundled service packages.
In Colorado, the cheapest electricity company for bundled service packages varies, but Fort Morgan Utilities offers the lowest residential rate at 8.41 cents per kilowatt hour. Major providers include Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy), Black Hills Energy, and various cooperatives and municipal utilities, each with different rate structures and customer bases. To explore more about these options, visit the Find Energy website for detailed comparisons and information.