Fort Collins Utilities Proposed 2027/28 Rate Increases

Published on June 10, 2026

Contact: Nick Combs, Utilities Communications and Engagement Manager, 970-221-6214, ncombs@fortcollins.gov

Fort Collins Utilities is proposing rate increases for 2027 and 2028 to help maintain reliable utility services, replace aging infrastructure and keep pace with inflation. If approved, a residential customer who receives all four Utilities services could see an average bill increase of about 9.3%, or just under $19 per month, in 2027.

Proposed Rates Increases

Residential Monthly Bill Comparison 2026 to 2027

Rates increases are needed due to major capital projects and ongoing infrastructure requirements to maintain the reliable, high-quality utility services customers depend on every day. If these rates are approved by Council in the fall, our customers will continue to pay among the most affordable utilities rates in the Front Range.

Fort Collins Utilities provides drinking water that consistently exceeds state and federal standards and electric service with a 99.99% reliability rate. As a locally owned, not-for-profit utility, revenue is reinvested into utility operations, infrastructure and community projects. The city invests in critical infrastructure to support our community's future, including the Halligan Water Supply Project to bolster emergency water supplies during droughts and ongoing upgrades to hundreds of miles of water mains to ensure safe and reliable drinking water. We also invest in new transformers that help deliver dependable, sustainable electricity to our 81,000+ customers. 

What is causing the rate increase for each utility? 

Electric  

The proposed 7% increase is driven by a need to cover the increase in distribution operating costs and investments in capital projects. Wholesale electric expenses, the largest expense for Fort Collins Light & Power, are anticipated to increase in 2027 and 2028 as well.  

Water 

The proposed 15% rate increase in 2027 and 2028 is primarily driven by capital investments. Construction of the Halligan Water Supply Project will strengthen long-term water reliability during drought. Ongoing replacement of aging water infrastructure includes more than 600 miles of water mains. 

Wastewater 

The proposed 10% rate increase in 2027 and 2028 is due to ongoing operational inflationary pressures and the Drake Water Reclamation Facility (DWRF) which requires significant capital investment to continue to treat 23 million gallons of wastewater per day.  

Stormwater

The proposed 5% rate increase in 2027 and 2028 is due to capital planning for large flood mitigation projects, and ongoing replacement of collection system infrastructure. 

Payment Assistance 

We understand rate increases affect everyone differently. Fort Collins Utilities partners with local organizations to help lower your utility bill. IQAP provides Fort Collins Utilities customers who are at or below 60% of the state median income reduced rates on select Utilities services. If you qualify, you can receive a 25% rate discount on electric, water and wastewater services. Visit our Payment Assistance page to learn more about your options. 

Next Steps  

It’s important to note that these are currently proposed rates. There will not be a final decision until November after all scenarios and budgets are fully assessed with community and customer impact in mind. Information on our current residential rates can be found on our Rates page.