Black Hills Energy announced Monday that Archuleta County residents can expect to see a 5 percent increase in their natural gas bills this month after the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved a 2025 rate adjustment on Dec. 18, 2024.
The new rates, which went into effect Jan. 1, will impact residential energy costs throughout the state.
In Archuleta County, the average residential bill is set to increase from an average $86.32 a month to $90.66 — a 5.03 percent increase, according to information provided by Black Hills.
Rates were also anticipated to increase elsewhere in the North and Southwest regions, including for communities in La Plata, Mineral and Yuma counties.
Residences in Larimer and Weld counties are bracing for the biggest rate increases at 5.92 percent.
In contrast, energy costs for multiple communities along the Western Slope — including Delta, Eagle, Pitkin and San Miguel counties — are set to go down, with a 3.26 percent savings expected on the average monthly bill.
“The price of natural gas is a ‘pass through cost,’” the corporation states in a press release, “meaning Black Hills Energy makes no money on it and our customers pay market rates and no more.”
For households struggling with energy costs in these colder months, Black Hills reports to have multiple assistance programs that include extended payment arrangements, budget billing and payment assistance.
Customers can visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/assistance for more information.
garrett@pagosasun.com
