Utilities board advances $2 billion plan emphasizing reliability and future capacity
Colorado Springs Utilities on Oct. 21 presented a proposed $2 billion budget for 2027 that the utility says is focused on delivering safe, reliable electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services while preparing systems for anticipated growth. The Utilities Board will forward the proposal to City Council, which is scheduled to vote on the budget in November.
The agency said the 2027 recommendation represents a roughly 10% decrease from the 2026 budget, but still includes substantial capital spending over the next three years. Springs Utilities projects annual capital investments of between $800 million and $1 billion from 2027 through 2029 to address aging infrastructure, regulatory requirements and capacity needs as the community grows.
What customers can expect on their bills
Under the draft budget, the average four-service residential customer — receiving electric, natural gas, water and wastewater service — would see a monthly increase of about 6.6%, which Springs Utilities estimates is roughly $16 per month and would bring the average bill to $258.
Customers with the average four-service residential bill would see an increase of 6.6%, about $16 per month, bringing it to $258.
Springs Utilities officials framed the adjustments as investments intended to produce three principal benefits for customers:
- Reliable service: replacing and strengthening equipment before failures affect customers;
- System readiness: adding capacity to serve a growing city;
- Safe, responsible operations: meeting environmental, safety and regulatory requirements.
Capital priorities and local consequences
The planned multi-hundred-million-dollar capital program is aimed at both replacing aging infrastructure and adding capacity where needed. For Colorado Springs residents, that means work on electric, gas, water and wastewater systems that could reduce outages, support new development and address regulatory mandates. The investments also suggest continued construction projects across the city in coming years, with potential short-term impacts such as road work or temporary service interruptions tied to upgrades.
Springs Utilities noted that the larger capital envelope between 2027 and 2029 is partly intended to ensure utility systems keep pace with population growth and to prevent deferred maintenance from producing more significant service problems later.
Assistance and next steps
The utility reminded customers that bill-assistance resources remain available for those who need help managing higher costs. Springs Utilities directed residents to its website for information on assistance programs and resources.
With the Utilities Board advancing the proposal to City Council, local elected officials will consider and vote on the final budget next month. If approved, the plan will guide operations and capital projects across Colorado Springs' utility systems in 2027 and shape investment priorities through 2029.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Proposed 2027 budget | $2 billion |
| Change from 2026 budget | 10% decrease |
| Average four-service residential bill (proposed) | $258 (about +$16/month, +6.6%) |
| Projected annual capital investment (2027–2029) | $800 million–$1 billion |
City Council members and community groups will be watching how the budget balances immediate customer costs with long-term infrastructure needs. The decision will affect utility rates, local construction activity and the condition of essential services that residents rely on every day.
