Electric Water Heater (Tank) in Fort Collins — $674/yr to Run (13.7¢/kWh)
Your electric water heater (tank) in Fort Collins costs about $56/month at 13.7¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Fort Collins, CO Electricity Rate
13.7¢/kWh
Utility: Xcel Energy
+5% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$1.85
13.5 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$56.17
411 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$674
4,928 kWh/yr
Lifetime (12yr)
$8,089
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Fort Collins
| Period | kWh | Fort Collins Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 13.5 | $1.85 | $1.76 | +$0.09 |
| Weekly | 94.5 | $12.93 | $12.29 | +$0.64 |
| Monthly | 410.6 | $56.17 | $53.38 | +$2.79 |
| Quarterly | 1231.9 | $168.52 | $160.14 | +$8.38 |
| Annual | 4927.5 | $674.08 | $640.58 | +$33.51 |
Customize Your Electric Water Heater (Tank) Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Fort Collins.
Daily
$1.85
Monthly
$56.17
Annual
$674
12-Year
$8,089
Energy Saving Tips for Electric Water Heater (Tank) in Fort Collins
- ✓Fort Collins electricity rates are 5% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Electric Water Heater (Tank) in Fort Collins saves ~$101/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Electric Water Heater (Tank) with scheduling optimization can save ~$101/year at Fort Collins rates.
- ✓Set temperature to 120F
- ✓Insulate tank and hot water pipes
- ✓Drain sediment annually
ENERGY STAR Savings: Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Electric Water Heater (Tank) in Fort Collins saves approximately $101/year at local rates — $1,213 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Fort Collins, CO
See which appliances cost the most to run at Fort Collins's 13.7¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,773/yr
$147.74/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,231/yr
$102.60/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$899/yr
$74.90/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$886/yr
$73.87/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$739/yr
$61.56/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$674/yr
$56.17/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$525/yr
$43.78/mo
Hot Tub / Spa
Pool & Spa · 3,000W
$492/yr
$41.04/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank) Cost in Other Colorado Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Fort Collins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins (current) | 13.7¢ | $674 | — |
| Denver | 14.5¢ | $714 | +$40 |
| Colorado Springs | 13.7¢ | $675 | +$0 |
| Aurora | 15.4¢ | $757 | +$83 |
| Lakewood | 13.9¢ | $685 | +$11 |
| Thornton | 15.0¢ | $740 | +$66 |
| Arvada | 14.8¢ | $731 | +$57 |
| Westminster | 15.4¢ | $761 | +$87 |
| Pueblo | 14.8¢ | $731 | +$57 |
Methodology & Energy Data Sources for Fort Collins
How we calculate electric water heater (tank) energy costs in Fort Collins, CO: Cost estimates use the standard formula: Annual Cost = (Wattage ÷ 1000) × Hours per Day × Days per Year × Local kWh Rate. We model regional electricity rate variation using EIA monthly data, which captures rate differences between investor-owned utilities, municipal providers, and rural electric cooperatives.
- Appliance wattage sourced from ENERGY STAR product database, manufacturer spec sheets, and DOE residential appliance test data.
- Local kWh rate for Fort Collins reflects Colorado averages from EIA Form 861 (utility sales data). Rates vary by season (typically 10-20% summer premium) and time-of-use in many Colorado utilities.
- Usage patterns derived from RECS (Residential Energy Consumption Survey), EIA's official survey of US household energy use.
- Carbon footprint calculated using EPA eGRID emissions factors specific to your regional grid mix in Colorado.
Authoritative US energy data sources:
- EIA Electric Power Monthly — official US electricity rate data by state
- EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) — household appliance usage patterns
- ENERGY STAR Product Finder — efficiency ratings for electric water heater (tank)s
- DOE Energy Saver — Electricity — official tips and appliance comparison
- EPA eGRID — Regional Emissions — carbon intensity by grid region
- EIA State Energy Profiles — Colorado — generation mix, prices, and consumption
Disclaimer: Energy costs are estimates based on average appliance usage and Colorado state-level kWh rates. Your actual costs depend on your specific utility provider, rate plan (flat, time-of-use, demand), local fees, taxes, and renewable energy credits. Check your utility bill for exact rates. For energy efficiency upgrades, consult your local utility's rebate programs and federal tax credits via ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · EIA data current as of latest monthly release
Find Your Utility, Rate Plan & Incentives in Fort Collins
The Colorado state-average kWh rate shown above is a baseline — your actual cost depends on your specific utility provider, rate plan, and time-of-use schedule. Plus you may be missing rebates that pay for ENERGY STAR replacements:
Each utility has its own rate plans (flat, TOU, demand):
- • EIA — Find Your Utility (by ZIP)
- • EIA Colorado State Profile
- • Time-of-use can save 20-40% if you shift heavy use to off-peak
Inflation Reduction Act provides ongoing credits:
- • ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits
- • 30% on solar/battery storage through 2032
- • Up to $2,000 heat pump credit annually
- • DOE — Federal Rebate Programs
State + utility-specific rebates stack with federal:
- • DSIRE — Colorado Incentive Database
- • DOE State Energy Program
- • Many utilities offer $50-500 rebates on ENERGY STAR appliances
Replace efficient = save 25-50% kWh:
NABCEP-certified installers for solar/battery: NABCEP Certified Professionals Directory. Required for many state incentives.
Electric Water Heater (Tank) Energy Cost FAQ — Fort Collins, CO
Understanding Electric Water Heater (Tank) Energy Costs in Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins is a mid-sized Colorado city where residential electricity rates from Xcel Energy are shaped by regional energy supply and local demand patterns. Running a high-draw appliance like the Electric Water Heater (Tank) (4,500W) at Fort Collins's rate of 13.7¢/kWh costs approximately $674 per year — $34 more than the national average of $641.
Fort Collins rates are 5% above the national average — a modest premium that adds $34 per year to Electric Water Heater (Tank) operating costs. Over the appliance's 12-year lifespan, that's $402 in cumulative extra spending versus the national average.
With a cost of living index of 97, Fort Collins is near the national median. The Electric Water Heater (Tank)'s monthly cost of $56.17 represents a typical share of the average Fort Collins electric bill of $163/month. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Electric Water Heater (Tank) can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $101 per year at Fort Collins rates.
Fort Collins's moderate climate (avg 65.5°F) helps keep seasonal energy cost swings manageable for most appliances. A Electric Water Heater (Tank) produces approximately 3.52 tons of CO2 annually at typical usage. Fort Collins residents can reduce this footprint by choosing an ENERGY STAR certified unit, optimizing usage patterns, or investing in solar — see our solar savings calculator for Fort Collins.
Compare All Energy Costs in Fort Collins
See energy costs for 178+ household appliances at Fort Collins's local electricity rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run an Electric Water Heater (Tank) in Fort Collins, CO?
At Fort Collins's average electricity rate of 13.7¢/kWh, an Electric Water Heater (Tank) costs approximately $674 per year to run. That's about $56.17 per month with typical usage of 3 hours per day.
What is the electricity rate in Fort Collins, CO?
The average residential electricity rate in Fort Collins, CO is 13.7¢/kWh, which is 5% above the national average of 13.0¢/kWh. The primary utility provider is Xcel Energy.
How much electricity does an Electric Water Heater (Tank) use per year?
A Electric Water Heater (Tank) uses approximately 4,500 watts and consumes about 4,928 kWh per year with typical usage of 3 hours/day for 365 days/year.
Is an Electric Water Heater (Tank) expensive to run in Fort Collins?
Compared to the national average cost of $641/year, running an Electric Water Heater (Tank) in Fort Collins costs $34 more per year due to higher local electricity rates.
How can I reduce my Electric Water Heater (Tank) energy cost in Fort Collins?
To reduce Electric Water Heater (Tank) costs in Fort Collins: Set temperature to 120F. Insulate tank and hot water pipes. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR model saves up to 15% on energy costs. Also check with Xcel Energy for local energy efficiency rebates and programs.