Energy Rates High In Pueblo

Electricity rates in Pueblo are more than 30 percent higher than the rest of Colorado.

“There’s been a concern about the high energy costs, primarily electricity since we signed the franchise agreement,” said City Council President Steve Nawrocki.

Black Hills Energy entered into a 20-year franchise agreement with Pueblo to provide electricity to the community.

“Pretty much, I believe we didn’t have a lot of choices,” said Nawrocki, because of the restrictions set by the Public Utilities Commission, or PUC.

With that agreement, Black Hills sets its rates based on regulations from the PUC.

“The rates are set by the Public Utilities Commission for all the utilities including electric utilities, telecom,” said Chris Burke, the vice president for Black Hills Energy in Pueblo.

Black Hills says it’s hard to compare Pueblo to more-populated cities like Colorado Springs and Denver.

“We work hard every day to make sure our costs are as low as possible and we will continue to do that,” said Burke.

Gov. John Hickenlooper recently appointed a woman to the PUC who is from the area and Nawrocki says he believes that will help the cost situation.

“She has pretty much assured our part of the state that she will be sensitive to the needs that we have down here,” said Nawrocki.