If your electric bill in Sage Creek seems higher at certain times of year or day, you are not imagining it. Fort Collins uses Time‑of‑Day pricing that charges more during short weekday peaks and less the rest of the time. With a few smart shifts, you can lower your bill without changing your lifestyle. Below, you will learn how the rate works, what it costs in 2025, and simple ways to save when you buy, sell, or already own in Sage Creek. Let’s dive in.
How Time‑of‑Day pricing works in Fort Collins
On‑peak vs. off‑peak hours
Fort Collins Utilities charges different prices based on when you use electricity. In summer from May 1 to Sept 30, on‑peak is 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In non‑summer from Oct 1 to Apr 30, on‑peak is 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekends and listed major holidays are off‑peak. You can see the current schedule on the city’s residential rates page for Fort Collins electric rates and TOD times.
What it costs in 2025
As of January 2025, the standard residential TOD rate includes a fixed monthly charge of $11.95. Energy prices are 30.47 cents/kWh during summer on‑peak, 28.09 cents/kWh during non‑summer on‑peak, and 8.46 cents/kWh off‑peak. If you use more than 700 kWh in a month on the standard plan, a tier adds 2.98 cents/kWh for the usage above 700 kWh. Homes with all‑electric heat may qualify for an Electric‑Heat TOD plan with different on/off prices and no 700 kWh tier. Details and updates are on the Fort Collins electric rates page.
Who in Sage Creek it applies to
Sage Creek sits within Fort Collins city limits, so most homes are served by Fort Collins Utilities and follow the TOD rate. If a property is outside city limits or on a different utility, its rates will differ. Check your utility bill or contact the city to confirm your assigned rate.
Simple ways to save in Sage Creek
Shift big tasks off‑peak
Off‑peak prices are far lower than on‑peak. Run the dishwasher, laundry, and other big appliances early morning, later evening, or on weekends. Use delay starts or smart plugs so the work happens while you sleep. The city shares more practical ideas on its Time‑of‑Day tips page.
Schedule EV charging
If your EV averages about 30 kWh per 100 miles, off‑peak charging at 8.46 cents/kWh costs about $2.54 per 100 miles. Charging during the summer on‑peak at 30.47 cents/kWh would be about $9.14 per 100 miles. Set your vehicle or charger to start after the on‑peak window or on weekends. You can confirm current prices on the city’s electric rates page.
Pre‑cool or pre‑heat with a smart thermostat
Cool or warm the home just before the on‑peak window, then ease the setpoint slightly during peak hours. Small, well‑timed adjustments reduce on‑peak use while keeping you comfortable. The city includes thermostat programming in its TOD savings tips.
Use timers and utility programs
Consider timer controls for electric water heaters or smart modules that shift heating to off‑peak. Fort Collins also promotes programs that help automate load shifting during peak periods. Check the utility’s Time‑of‑Day tips for options.
Consider solar and batteries strategically
Solar can reduce your grid purchases during the day. Fort Collins credits any exported solar based on the time of export, with higher credits during on‑peak. For example, published 2025 export credits for standard TOD customers are about 25.10 cents/kWh for summer on‑peak exports and 6.36 cents/kWh off‑peak. Adding a battery lets you store solar or off‑peak power to use during on‑peak hours. See incentives and how credits work on the city’s page for solar rebates and battery programs.
Weatherize and avoid the 700 kWh tier
Insulation, air sealing, LED lighting, and efficient appliances reduce total use and help you stay under 700 kWh per month on the standard plan. That lowers costs in any season. If you qualify for assistance, learn about the Income‑Qualified Assistance Program on the city’s IQAP information page.
Buying or selling in Sage Creek
Check the home’s heating type
Your primary heating system can affect which TOD rate you qualify for. Standard TOD typically applies when the home’s primary heat is natural gas or a gas boiler. All‑electric heat may be eligible for the Electric‑Heat TOD option with different prices and no tier. To confirm or change a rate, contact Fort Collins Utilities or see the city’s page on TOD electric options.
Show your energy features
When listing, highlight features that help buyers save during on‑peak times. Note smart thermostats, EV charging circuits, water‑heater timers, added insulation, ENERGY STAR appliances, and any battery or solar system. Tie each feature to lower expected TOD bills so buyers can see the value.
If the home has solar
Provide recent utility bills that show seasonal exports and credits. Point to the TOD credit lines so buyers understand how their bill will work across seasons. The current credit structure and rates are summarized on the city’s electric rates page.
Local tools and contacts
- Fort Collins Utilities residential electric rates and on‑peak windows: Electric rates and TOD details
- Practical shifting tips and usage tools: Time‑of‑Day tips and MyEnergy
- Solar and battery incentives, net‑metering credits: Solar rebates and battery programs
- Income‑Qualified Assistance Program: IQAP info and eligibility
- Questions about rate changes or plan selection: TOD electric options or call 970‑212‑2900
Ready to put TOD savings to work?
Whether you are prepping a Sage Creek listing or choosing your next home, a few smart upgrades and habits can lower bills in any season. If you want a local game plan for what to improve, what to highlight, and how to evaluate utility costs when you buy or sell, reach out. You will get clear guidance and hands‑on support from Jackie Roacho.
FAQs
What are Fort Collins on‑peak hours for Sage Creek?
- Summer on‑peak is 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and non‑summer on‑peak is 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; weekends and listed holidays are off‑peak per the city’s electric rates page.
How much are Time‑of‑Day electric rates in 2025?
- As of Jan 2025, standard TOD prices are 30.47 cents/kWh summer on‑peak, 28.09 cents/kWh non‑summer on‑peak, and 8.46 cents/kWh off‑peak, plus an $11.95 monthly charge and a 2.98 cents/kWh tier above 700 kWh; see the latest figures on the rates page.
Are weekends and holidays off‑peak in Fort Collins?
- Yes, weekends and the city’s listed major holidays are off‑peak, so shifting big tasks to those times can cut costs; confirm dates on the electric rates page.
How do I check or change my Fort Collins rate plan?
- Check your bill for your assigned rate and contact Utilities to request changes; customers can typically change once every 12 months using the city’s TOD electric options or by calling 970‑212‑2900.
How does solar billing work with TOD in Fort Collins?
- Exported solar is credited based on when it is sent to the grid, with higher credits during on‑peak; current credit levels and details are on the city’s electric rates page.
What help is available if my bill goes up under TOD?
- Income‑qualified households may receive discounts and support through the city’s IQAP program; the tips page also shows ways to shift use and save under TOD.
