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Council sets Oct. 14 hearing on Colorado Springs Utilities 2026 rate case after heated net-metering debate
Summary
The City Council voted 7-2 to set an Oct. 14 public hearing on Colorado Springs Utilities' 2026 rate case after weeks of public inquiries and a contentious discussion about proposed changes to net‑metering rates that utilities says leave existing credits $5.5 million short.
Colorado Springs City Council set a public hearing for Oct. 14 on Colorado Springs Utilities’ 2026 rate case after a contentious exchange over proposed changes to net‑metering credits.
The council vote was 7 to 2 after a failed motion to postpone the hearing and send the case back to the Utilities Board. The rate‑case filing includes changes to electric rates, a transmission tariff required for entry into the Southwest Power Pool, and proposed net‑metering adjustments.
Why it matters: Utilities officials told council the current net‑metering structure creates a cross‑subsidy that costs other customers roughly $5.5 million under the utility’s cost‑of‑service analysis. Council members and dozens of ratepayers pressed for more public outreach and time to review the proposal before the hearing, saying many rooftop solar customers were caught off guard.
Tristan Gearhart, chief financial officer for Colorado Springs Utilities, told council the utility’s study shows the…
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