MVEA Electric Rates Are Increasing in 2026: How Solar Helps Stabilize Energy Costs
MVEA electric rates increase 8.5% in 2026. Learn what’s driving the hike, how it affects your utility bill, and how solar can help you stabilize costs.
MVEA Electric Rates Are Increasing in 2026—How Solar Helps Stabilize Energy Costs
Colorado’s electric rates are rising across nearly every utility, and Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) has officially joined the list of cooperatives implementing significant price increases for 2026. For homeowners throughout MVEA territory, including Falcon, Peyton, Monument, Black Forest, Calhan, and beyond, now is a critical time to understand what these changes mean and how solar energy can help shield you from ongoing rate hikes.
Quick Takeaway: The 2026 MVEA rate increase will raise electric costs by 8.5% starting January 1, driven by higher wholesale power costs and infrastructure investments. By producing your own solar energy, homeowners can reduce exposure to future rate hikes and gain more predictable, long-term energy costs.
Why MVEA Rates Are Increasing in 2026
MVEA has long emphasized reliability, affordability, and transparency as a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative. But like many utilities nationwide, they are facing substantial external pressures.
Beginning January 1, 2026, MVEA will implement an 8.5% rate increase across all rate classes. For the average household using 900 kWh per month, that means an increase of about $11.90 per month and more for homes with higher usage.
Several major factors are driving the increase:
1. A 7.5% Wholesale Power Cost Increase from Tri-State
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association provides the majority of MVEA’s power. Because wholesale power accounts for roughly 62% of MVEA’s operating expenses, this cost increase hits directly at the member level.
3. Increased Investment in Reliability and Wildfire Mitigation
MVEA has proactively invested in:
- Wildfire risk reduction
- Technology upgrades
- Enhanced network operations
- Substation and infrastructure maintenance
These investments strengthen reliability but contribute to higher operating costs.
4. Growing Energy Demand
Colorado’s population growth, increased electrification (EVs, heat pumps, AC), and higher energy usage across the board have further accelerated costs.
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.
A Statewide Trend: Rising Electricity Rates Across Colorado Utilities
MVEA is not alone. Electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities across Colorado are implementing rate increases in response to rising energy costs, infrastructure needs, and growing demand.
These statewide trends are explored further in our Colorado utility rate hike overview.
What the 2026 MVEA Rate Increase Means for Homeowners
For many households, this increase is just the beginning. Additional rate adjustments are likely in future years due to:
- Rising wholesale energy costs
- National infrastructure upgrades
- Continued inflationary pressure
- Growing energy demand from AI data centers and electrification
In other words: Your electric bill will almost certainly cost more in 2027, 2028, and beyond.
But there is a way to protect yourself.
How Going Solar Helps Protect Homeowners From MVEA Rate Increases
Installing solar is one of the most effective ways to take control of your long-term electricity costs.
- Lock in Your Own Power Source: When your home produces its own energy, you buy less electricity from MVEA—meaning future rate increases affect you far less.
- Reduce Reliance on Wholesale Energy Markets: MVEA’s cost increases largely stem from wholesale providers. Solar gives you independence from those upstream price spikes
- Take Advantage of Generous Local and State Incentives: Even with the federal tax credit ending soon, Colorado programs, rebates, and co-op incentives help significantly lower the cost of going solar.
- Add a Battery for Even Greater Savings: Battery systems help reduce peak-hour usage, provide backup power during outages, and prevent bill spikes during high-demand periods. This is particularly valuable as cooperatives explore new rate structures that penalize on-peak usage.
Solar Makes Sense Now More Than Ever in MVEA Territory
In MVEA communities, we’re seeing a growing interest in solar by homeowners concerned about long-term rate stability. This is especially common as energy usage rises from electric vehicles (EVs), air conditioning, and home electrification. Many locals are exploring battery storage as a way to add resilience and reduce exposure to future rate structure changes.
Homeowners in the below communities are seeing some of the fastest utility growth in the state. Securing solar now lets you get ahead of rising rates and start saving immediately.
- Falcon
- Peyton
- Monument
- Calhan
- Black Forest
- Ellicott
- Limon
- El Paso & Elbert Counties
Take Control of Your Energy Costs Today
If you’re concerned about the 2026 MVEA rate increase, or you simply want more energy independence, now is the time to explore your solar options.
Solar Power Pros offers:
- Free custom solar designs
- Locally owned, veteran-owned service
- Award-winning installation quality
- A wide variety of panels, batteries, and inverter options
- Honest, educational consultations without sales pressure
Take the next step—see how solar can protect you from rising utility costs.
To start your free quote, call our Pros at 303-797-6527 or schedule your consultation today!
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FAQs: Solar and the 2026 MVEA Rate Increase
Will MVEA electric rates continue to rise after 2026?
Most likely, yes. MVEA’s 2026 increase is driven by wholesale power costs, infrastructure needs, inflation, tariffs, and higher energy demand. These are ongoing pressures across Colorado utilities. While exact future increases aren’t yet announced, homeowners should expect continued upward trends making solar an increasingly valuable long-term financial hedge.
Is going solar worth it for MVEA customers?
Absolutely. Because MVEA customers face an 8.5% rate increase in 2026, solar helps offset rising electric bills by generating your own power. With Colorado’s strong sun exposure and available incentives, MVEA-area homeowners in Falcon, Monument, Peyton, Calhan, and Black Forest often see a strong ROI and long-term bill stability.
Can solar help reduce or eliminate the impact of MVEA's rising energy costs?
Yes. Once you install solar, you immediately reduce the amount of electricity you purchase from MVEA. That means any future increases have a far smaller impact on your monthly bill. Adding a battery provides even more protection by reducing reliance during peak or high-demand periods.
What incentives are available to help lower the cost of solar for MVEA homeowners?
Even with changes to federal incentives, Colorado homeowners benefit from local and state rebates, battery incentives, and flexible financing options. Solar Power Pros also offers exclusive pricing and multiple equipment options to keep systems affordable despite rising utility costs.
What areas does MVEA service for solar installations?
Solar Power Pros installs solar systems across the entire Front Range and many MVEA communities, including: Falcon, Peyton, Black Forest, Monument, Calhan, Ellicott, Limon, El Paso & Elbert Counties. If you’re unsure whether your home qualifies, just ask—we likely service your area.
How much can MVEA customers save by installing solar?
Savings vary by home, but with rising rates and Colorado’s excellent solar exposure, many MVEA homeowners reduce their electricity purchasing by 50–100%, depending on system size. With utility rates increasing at 8.5% in 2026 alone, solar can pay for itself even faster.
