Understanding Time of Day Electric Rates in Colorado Springs
If you live in Colorado Springs, you may have heard about upcoming changes to how your electric bill is calculated. Instead of a flat rate, local utilities like Colorado Springs Utilities and Mountain View Electric Association are gradually shifting to Time of Day Electric Rates—a pricing system where electricity costs more during peak usage hours and less when demand is lower.
For homeowners with solar panels—or those considering installing solar—this change could impact how much you save or earn from energy production. At JP Electric & Solar, we help residents in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs understand and prepare for these rate adjustments with customized solar + battery solutions that keep your costs down and your system performing year-round.
What Are Time of Day Electric Rates?
Time of Day Electric Rates charge more for electricity during certain hours—usually late afternoon and early evening when energy use is at its highest. In contrast, you pay less during “off-peak” times, like overnight or mid-morning.
For example, you might pay:
- $0.16/kWh from 3 PM to 7 PM (peak hours)
- $0.07/kWh from 10 PM to 6 AM (off-peak hours)
This means:
- You’re penalized for using power during peak times
- You can save by using appliances or charging devices during off-peak times
- Solar power becomes even more valuable when combined with battery storage
Colorado Springs Utilities has announced future transitions to these rates, and nearby utility providers are following suit.
How Solar + Battery Systems Help You Avoid Peak Rates
Adding a solar battery storage system lets you take control of when you use the energy your panels generate. Instead of sending all your solar power back to the grid (and getting credit based on lower off-peak rates), a battery allows you to store extra energy and use it during expensive peak periods.
With a system installed by JP Electric & Solar, here’s what happens:
- Your panels generate energy all day
- Extra energy charges your Enphase battery
- During peak hours, your home draws power from the battery—not the grid
- You avoid high-cost electricity and reduce your bill
This setup is ideal for homes in areas like Briargate, Broadmoor, and Manitou Springs, where daily A/C usage in the summer can push electric bills way up under new rate structures.
Real-Life Benefits for Colorado Springs Homeowners
Time of Day billing is already creating concern among local homeowners on neighborhood Facebook groups and forums like Reddit. Here’s how smart upgrades can help:
Common local challenges:
- Afternoon air conditioning spikes electric bills
- EV charging overlaps with peak rates
- Net metering credit values are lower during off-peak hours
Smart solutions with JP Electric & Solar:
- Add battery backup to shift energy use
- Use solar to power EV chargers overnight
- Monitor system performance through Enphase tools
- Stay on top of utility billing changes with our local expertise
You can learn more about Enphase-backed solar + battery systems directly on the JP Electric & Solar website.
Will Time of Day Rates Affect My Solar Savings?
Short answer: Yes—but you can stay ahead.
Without battery storage, most solar homes send excess power to the grid and receive credit. But if that power is credited at off-peak rates, you could be getting less value for your solar investment.
Here’s what you can do:
- Install a battery to use solar energy on your schedule
- Time your usage for off-peak hours (e.g., running laundry or dishwashers at night)
- Track your solar output with Enphase system monitoring
Planning ahead ensures you protect your investment as billing systems evolve.
Stay Ahead of Time of Day Electric Rates with JP Electric & Solar
Electric rates in Colorado Springs are changing—but your savings don’t have to. With a smart solar + battery storage system, you can protect your air conditioning, control your usage, and keep your monthly energy costs predictable.
Want to explore your options? Contact us at JP Electric & Solar to schedule a consultation or learn more about how battery storage can help you get the most out of your solar investment.