Higher utilities bills could be on the way for Pueblo rate payers

Black Hills Energy customers in Pueblo could be paying more for utilities next year.

Lawyer Bill McEwan said the average power bill could go up about $5 to $17 a month if the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approves Black Hills’ request.

He said Black Hills wants money for a new power station near the Pueblo Memorial Airport and operation costs are on the rise.

McEwan said there could be a way to avoid this.

“Have your voices heard. Work through the City Council liaison, who is going to be working with Black Hills,” he said.

You can voice your opinion at a public meeting that will be held in August about the possible rate hikes.

McEwan was hired by the city to do a study on why the rates are high in Pueblo compared to other cities, such as Colorado Springs.

He said the average cost of utilities could range from about $41 to over $3,000 more than Colorado Springs utilities bills, depending on the type of building you own.

McEwan said one of the reasons for the price difference is Colorado Springs has its own utilities. The prices for Pueblo are determined by the PUC since Black Hills is investor-owned.

McEwan said other reasons for the higher rates are newer infrastructure, the former utilities provider failing to do strong maintenance, legislative requirements and maximizing the price in order to satisfy the investors.