Pueblo City Council fights against electric rate hike

In a recent city council meeting, the Pueblo City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing Black Hills Colorado Electric LLC's request for a significant increase in electrical rates. The resolution comes in response to Black Hills' filing with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on June 14, 2024, which seeks to raise rates to address rising operational costs.

The proposed rate increase would reportedly generate an additional $36 million annually for Black Hills, raising the average monthly bill for residential customers using 600 kilowatt hours from $109.67 to $129.81. This increase has raised concerns among council members, who highlighted that Black Hills customers already face some of the highest residential rates in Colorado. A survey indicated that in January 2024, Black Hills customers paid an average of over $145 for 700 kilowatt hours, significantly more than customers of other utilities in the state.

Council members expressed their commitment to opposing the rate hike, emphasizing the economic burden it would place on Pueblo residents. The resolution will be sent to all members of the Colorado PUC, and city officials are authorized to take necessary actions to support this opposition. The council's decision reflects a broader concern about utility costs in the region, as Pueblo ratepayers have consistently been charged higher rates compared to neighboring communities along the Colorado Front Range.