What’s a bill rider — and why does it matter?

Ever looked at the natural gas section of your utility bill and noticed the Colorado Clean Heat Plan Charge? This charge is a “bill rider”. Here’s what that means, and why it’s important.

A bill rider is a temporary charge added to your utility bill. It’s not part of your standard base rates. Instead, it helps cover the cost of specific programs or projects that aren’t included in the regular budget. Think of it as a way to fund important initiatives without permanently raising rates.

Our most recent rider, approved by City Council in 2023, supports the Colorado Clean Heat Plan, a state-mandated program designed to reduce natural gas emissions. This charge helps fund rebates and efficiency programs for things like heat pumps, insulation and high-efficiency water heaters.

Key things to know about bill riders:

• They’re temporary and have a defined start and end date.
  • Sometimes, like with the Colorado Clean Heat Plan Charge, the end date may not be determined until the program or initiative has matured.
• They support specific programs or projects, often required by law.
• They help us avoid permanent rate increases while investing in our community.

The Colorado Clean Heat Plan Charge is based on your natural gas usage, not a flat fee. Like our base rates, this charge is reviewed annually.

Bill riders are a smart, responsible way to fund programs, without locking in higher rates forever.