What is happening
Utility customers all across Colorado suffered from record increases in their electric bills this winter. Some Xcel customers saw their bills double from November to December. And, the utility is planning for continued hikes through 2025.1
Adding insult to injury, Xcel and other Colorado utilities use your money against you. They can use money collected from your bills to push for higher rates. They also use it to pay trade associations to lobby for policies that make it harder for Coloradans to go solar.2
A new bill would hold utilities accountable
Colorado lawmakers are considering a new bill, SB 23-291, that would reign in electricity rates. The legislation would:
- Prohibit utilities from charging you for things like lobbying expenses, political contributions, legal fees, and advertising
- Protect customers from spikes in gas prices
- Penalize any utility that breaks the rules
What you can do
Lawmakers need to hear from you. Reach out to your legislators today and urge them to pass this legislation.
1 Miguel Otárola, CPR News. Here’s why your Xcel Energy bill is so high right now – and what you can do about it. Dec 14, 2022. Web: https://www.cpr.org/2022/12/14/xcel-energy-bill-explainer/
2 Joe Smyth, Energy and Policy Institute. New bill aims to stop Colorado utilities from spending ratepayer money on politics. Apr 20, 2023. Web: https://www.energyandpolicy.org/new-bill-aims-to-stop-colorado-utilities-from-spending-ratepayer-money-on-politics/
