Colorado Springs Energy Wise Program: What It Means and How to Save

Michael Henry
Jul 24
4 min read

Updated: Jul 26

Starting October 1, 2025, Colorado Springs Utilities will launch its Energy Wise Program, changing how residential and commercial customers are billed for electricity. Instead of paying the same rate all day, your cost will now depend on when you use power.

At Sparkz Contracting, we’re here to help you understand what’s changing, what it means for you, and how to prepare your home or business to save energy, reduce your bills, and avoid unexpected costs.

At Sparkz Contracting, we aim to assist you in adapting to these changes, avoiding extra expenses, and potentially transforming this transition into a saving opportunity.

Download the official program overview from Colorado Springs Utilities for full details:

What's Changing?

Time-of-Use (TOU) Billing Begins: October 1, 2025
On-Peak Hours: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. on weekdays (most expensive)
Off-Peak Hours: All other times, including weekends and holidays
Summer Rates: Higher than non-summer rates
Most customers will be automatically enrolled (opt-out is available)

How to Opt-Out?

If you prefer not to be billed based on time-of-use rates, Colorado Springs Utilities offers a flat rate opt-out option. This lets you pay a consistent rate for electricity, regardless of when you use it.

Opting out may be a better choice if:

You regularly use appliances during evening hours
Your schedule makes it difficult to shift usage outside of peak times
You prefer predictable monthly bills without tracking when power is used

Download our quick guide:

You can also use the CSU bill calculator to compare your estimated monthly costs under both rate plans.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, Sparkz Contracting is happy to review your current energy setup and help you make a confident decision.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Electricity Rates

Colorado Springs Utilities’ new Energy Wise Program introduces time-based pricing, where electricity costs more during weekday evenings when demand is highest. The table below shows how rates vary depending on the season and time of day—highlighting just how much you can save by shifting your energy use to off-peak hours.

Season	On-Peak (5–9 p.m.)	Off-Peak (All Other Times)
Summer (Jun–Sep)	$0.21277/kWh	$0.07884/kWh
Non-Summer (Oct–May)	$0.18331/kWh	$0.06792/kWh

That’s nearly 3x more expensive during peak hours.

What This Means for Your Electric Bill

Shifting your electricity use to off-peak hours can make a real difference in your monthly bill. Since on-peak electricity costs nearly three times more, small changes to your routine can lead to noticeable savings. The examples below show how different types of households may be affected under the new Energy Wise rates.

Household Type	Estimated Savings (Per Month)
Small Apartment	$10–20
Average Home	$20–40
Large Home w/ A/C or EV	$40–70

And for business owners, smart upgrades could mean hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in savings over time.

Simple Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs

You don’t need a full electrical upgrade to start saving under the new Energy Wise rates. By making a few simple adjustments to when and how you use electricity, you can reduce your monthly bill without sacrificing comfort. Here are some practical changes that can make a big impact right away.

Action	Potential Savings
Run laundry/dishwasher before 5 p.m.	Save up to $1 per load
Charge your EV overnight	Save $4–6 per full charge
Pre-cool your home in the afternoon	Save $1–2 per day
Use smart thermostats, plugs, or panels	Cut peak usage by 30–40%

Tip: Shifting just 20% of your usage to off-peak hours could save you $20–40/month.

How Sparkz Contracting Can Help

At Sparkz Contracting, we specialize in custom panel upgrades, whole-home rewiring, and smart electrical solutions designed to make your home or business safer, more efficient, and ready for what’s next. Whether you need a few key upgrades or a complete energy plan, we can help you adjust to the new Energy Wise program and build a system that fits your space and lifestyle.

Core Services

Electrical panel upgrades and replacements
Whole-home rewiring and electrical remodels
Custom circuits for kitchens, entertainment systems, and additions
Smart panel installations with usage tracking
Free energy audits and usage evaluations

Smart Energy Solutions

Smart plugs, timers, and thermostat setups
Mobile-controlled lighting and appliance systems
LED lighting conversions and custom designs
EV charger installation (Level 2 home charging)
Structured cabling for home automation and networking

Safety & Protection

Safety and efficiency inspections
Whole-home surge protection
AFCI and GFCI breaker upgrades
Smoke, carbon, and motion detector systems
Tamper-resistant outlets and weatherproof covers

Advanced Options

Generator installation with remote monitoring
Solar panel and battery storage consultation
Energy-efficient upgrades for aging-in-place and historical homes

Commercial & Business Services

We’re actively expanding our commercial offerings to support local businesses with practical, scalable energy solutions. If your business operates heavily during peak hours—like a restaurant, retail shop, office, or multifamily property—these changes could affect your bottom line.

Commercial Solutions

Energy-efficient lighting retrofits and motion-controlled systems
Smart HVAC automation and pre-cooling setup
Commercial-grade battery backup and surge protection
Load balancing, energy scheduling, and smart metering
Custom plans for multifamily, office, retail, and industrial properties
Electrical panel and infrastructure upgrades to support growing demand

Let’s Build a Plan That Works for You

The Energy Wise Program doesn’t have to be a burden. With the right upgrades, it’s a chance to reduce long-term costs, improve comfort, and boost your property’s electrical safety and performance.

Call (719) 355-9787, email mike@sparkzcontracting.com, or book a free consultation below.