CORE Electric Rates Are Increasing 6.7% in 2026: How Solar Can Protect Colorado Homeowners
CORE Electric rates will rise 6.7% in 2026. See what’s changing, how much bills may increase, and how solar protects CO homeowners from ongoing rate hikes.
CORE Electric Rates Are Increasing 6.7% in 2026–How Solar Can Protect Colorado Homeowners
Colorado’s electricity costs are rising yet again–and for homeowners served by CORE Electric Cooperative, 2026 will bring some of the most significant increases in recent years. As a local, veteran-owned solar energy company, Solar Power Pros has supported CORE members for over a decade. We can help you understand what’s changing in the 2026 CORE electric rates increase and how solar can protect your long-term energy costs.
2026 CORE Rate Increase: What’s Happening?
According to CORE’s official rate update from its website, new rates and regulations will go into effect January 2026, resulting in an average 6.7% increase across residential, commercial, and industrial services.
Here are the key details impacting residential customers:
Residential Rate Changes for 2026
- On-peak demand charge: Increasing to $5.47
- Residential energy charge: Increasing to $0.1155 per kWh
- Monthly basic service charge: Staying at $20
CORE explains that these adjustments are driven by the same pressures affecting nearly all goods and services—fuel, materials, labor, and the growing cost of maintaining and upgrading the power grid.
Translation for homeowners:
Your electric bill is going up again—and the trend is expected to continue in future years.
Why Solar Is the Smartest Protection Against Rising Utility Costs
Utility rate hikes stack year after year, making energy one of the fastest-growing household expenses. Solar provides a long-term buffer against these rising costs.
1. Lock in Your Energy Costs
With solar, the cost of generating electricity doesn’t rise every year. You control your energy production instead of getting stuck with an ever-increasing utility bill. The sooner you lock in your rates, the better–so you won’t catch yourself in 2026 asking, “Why is my electric bill so high?”
2. Reduce Exposure to Peak Demand Charges
CORE’s on-peak demand charge is now increasing to $5.47 and is becoming a significant portion of homeowners’ monthly costs. Solar can drastically reduce how much energy you pull during those peak windows.
3. Maximize Savings With Battery Storage
Pairing solar with battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall 3, Franklin aPower 2, or Enphase IQ Battery) lets you:
- Use stored energy during peak times
- Reduce demand charges
- Maintain power during outages
- Increase system efficiency
4. Protect Your Home Value
Homes with solar routinely sell for more in Colorado, especially in high-growth areas with higher energy costs. Learn how solar panels impact home value in Colorado.
CORE Communities Have Some of Colorado's Strongest Solar Potential
Solar Power Pros has proudly served many CORE-served communities for decades, including:
- Parker
- Bennett
- Elizabeth
- Castle Pines
- Castle Rock
These areas have excellent solar production potential and are experiencing some of the sharpest utility cost growth along the Front Range. Going solar now positions homeowners here to save significantly over the next 20–30 years.
Solar Power Pros: Local. Trusted. Award-Winning.
When you choose Solar Power Pros, you’re choosing a company built on Respect, Integrity, Service, and Drive. As a local, family-owned, and veteran-owned installer, we focus on delivering best-in-class quality and customer experience—not high-pressure sales.
- We were awarded EnergySage Installer of the Year for Colorado
- We have hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google, EnergySage & SolarReviews
- We install premium products like Hyundai, SEG, Qcells, REC, Tesla, Enphase, FranklinWH, SPAN, and more
- Every install is done by our in-house team and never outsourced
- We deliver clean, transparent, education-first solar consultations
Beat CORE’s 6.7% Rate Increase: Start Your Solar Evaluation Today
Electricity rates are rising—and the trend isn’t slowing. Solar gives you long-term stability in an uncertain utility landscape. Protect your wallet—and your energy future—before CORE’s 2026 rates take effect.
When you schedule your free custom design with Solar Power Pros, you’ll receive:
- A personalized analysis estimating how much you’ll save
- Solar & battery options designed for CORE’s new rate structure
- A financial breakdown with long-term projections
- Updated information on available incentives and financing
To start your free quote, call our Pros at 303-797-6527 or schedule your consultation today!
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2026 CORE Electric Rates Increase FAQs
Why are CORE Electric rates increasing in 2026?
CORE’s 2026 rate increase—an average of 6.7% across residential, commercial, and industrial customers—is driven by rising costs for fuel, materials, labor, and grid infrastructure upgrades. Electric utilities across Colorado are seeing similar pressures, and CORE states that these increases help maintain system reliability and fund necessary grid improvements.
How will the new CORE 2026 rates affect my electric bill?
Solar allows homeowners to generate power at a fixed cost, reducing dependence on utility-supplied electricity that gets more expensive each year. In Parker, Bennett, Elizabeth, Castle Pines, and Castle Rock, solar systems that are paired with batteries can also help lower exposure to CORE’s increasing demand charges by supplying stored energy during peak hours. Over time, this provides significant long-term savings and greater control over energy costs.
Does solar work well in CORE service areas like Parker, Castle Rock, Castle Pines, and Elizabeth?
Yes—these areas are some of the best in Colorado for residential solar. Homes in these communities typically have strong solar production potential, higher utility usage, and growing electricity costs, making solar one of the most cost-effective upgrades for CORE members.
Will CORE’s rates continue to rise after 2026?
While CORE has only published its confirmed 2026 increases, rising energy demand, infrastructure costs, and market pressures indicate that future rate increases are likely. Solar provides a reliable long-term hedge against these ongoing cost escalations.
