If you live in Fort Collins, you’ve probably noticed your utility bill creeping up over the past few years. Between water, electricity, wastewater, and stormwater, it all adds up. The City of Fort Collins is currently reviewing rates for 2026, and while there may be small adjustments on the horizon, our rates are still competitive compared to other Front Range communities.
Where Fort Collins Utility Rates Stand
Fort Collins Utilities provides electric, water, wastewater, and stormwater services to residents. On average, a typical household in Fort Collins pays around $220–$250 per month for all four services combined. Here’s a quick comparison using recent 2025 data from the Colorado Municipal League and area reports:
| City | Average Monthly Utility Bill (Electric + Water + Sewer + Stormwater) |
|---|---|
| Fort Collins | $230 |
| Loveland | $215 |
| Greeley | $225 |
| Longmont | $240 |
| Boulder | $270 |
| Denver | $285 |
So, Fort Collins sits roughly in the middle — not the cheapest, but far from the highest. For the quality of service, renewable energy progress, and infrastructure investments, most residents still see it as a fair value.
Why Rates Are Rising Slightly
Fort Collins Utilities is reviewing plans for modest rate increases in 2026 to cover rising costs and major projects. The biggest factor is the Halligan Reservoir expansion, which will increase our long-term water storage and drought protection. Like most Colorado cities, Fort Collins is dealing with higher construction and maintenance costs, along with federal requirements tied to environmental mitigation.
City staff made it clear: any rate increases are directly tied to keeping our systems reliable, sustainable, and prepared for growth — not to pad the city’s general budget.
The Big Picture: What You’re Paying For
When you get your monthly utility bill, here’s roughly how it breaks down:
- Electricity: 45–50% of your total bill
- Water: 25–30%
- Wastewater & Stormwater: 20–25%
Those costs cover maintenance of power lines, treatment plants, water quality programs, renewable energy generation, and infrastructure repairs.
How Fort Collins Is Planning Ahead
What really sets Fort Collins apart is its long-term approach. The city is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050 and an 80% reduction in emissions by 2030. We already source a growing portion of our electricity through renewables via Platte River Power Authority. Investments today — in grid upgrades, renewable generation, and water storage — help keep rates stable in the long run.
And unlike many cities, Fort Collins regularly reviews its rates through public sessions and open data tools, so residents can see exactly where their money is going.
Yes, Fort Collins rates may inch up a little in 2026, but we’re still right in line with — or even below — most other Front Range cities. For that price, residents get some of the most reliable and sustainable utility services in Colorado.
If you’re budgeting for a move here or comparing costs between cities, Fort Collins continues to offer solid value, strong reliability, and a long-term plan to keep our community running clean and efficiently.