Choose the Renewable Option That’s Right for You#
Our Climate Future
The Our Climate Future plan calls for providing 100% renewable electricity as part of the community-wide carbon reduction goal of 80% by 2030. Fort Collins Utilities continues to increase renewables in the mix of energy delivered to our customers through local solar generation, and in partnership with our wholesale power provider Platte River Power Authority.
Choosing Your Electricity Sources
From subscribing to more clean, renewable energy to producing solar electricity on your own roof, Utilities gives customers options to be more sustainable. Even if you rent, don't have a sunny roof, or can't afford your own system, we can help you get to 100% renewable energy right away. Use the table below to help determine your best options.
| Standard energy mix | Purchase your own solar system | Battery storage at your home | Leased solar at your home | Multifamily Shared Energy System | |
| Source(s) of delivered energy | 49% non-carbon mix of hydro, wind, solar in 2022 | Solar and grid mix | Typically solar or grid mix | Solar and grid mix | Solar and grid mix |
| Provided by | Fort Collins Utilities | Solar contractor | Solar contractor | Solar provider | Site owner / host |
| Responsibility for ownership, operations, maintenance | Fort Collins Utilities | Homeowner | Homeowner | System owner | System owner |
| Net metering bill credits | No | Yes, for surplus energy returned to grid | Yes, for surplus energy returned to grid | Yes, for surplus energy returned to grid | Yes |
| Production reduces your energy purchases | No | Yes, purchase only what your system cannot provide | Yes, purchase only what your system cannot provide | Yes, purchase only what your system cannot provide | No |
| Carbon reduction benefit | 49% in 2022 | Up to 200% | Varies by power source | Up to 120% | Up to 200% |
| What you pay | Current utility rates | Average of $4,000 per kW, varies by system | Typically more than $10,000, varies by system | Monthly payment set by lessor | Varies by project |
| How you pay | Monthly utility bill | Pay solar installer per contract terms | Pay solar installer per contract terms | Pay solar installer per contract terms | Typically charged by site host |
| Requires installation on your property | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Installed at host property |
| Readily accessible to renters | Yes | No | No | No | No, determined by property owner |
| Learn more | Fort Collins Utilities Energy Vision | Fort Collins Residential Solar | Fort Collins Battery Program | Fort Collins Residential Solar | Fort Collins Shared Energy Systems |
Community-Wide Solar Generation#
More than 3,000 of our residential and commercial customers generate solar power. Utilities partnered with Colorado State University to create a visual representation of the estimated total power that grid-connected photovoltaic systems make each day.
Read more about the model by downloading this handout here.
Explore Utilities' Programs#
Did You Know?
You can save up to 10% on heating bills by using a programmable or smart thermostat to minimize heating when away from home or asleep.
Purchasing ENERGY STAR® appliances when replacing old ones helps you save energy and money without sacrificing performance.
Replacing older water heaters, air conditioners, furnaces and boilers with efficient ENERGY STAR® models can save energy and increase home comfort.