CSBJ Daily

When it comes to the price tag for energy, Springs’ residents don’t have it so bad.

City residents pay less for energy than all other major cities in Colorado except Loveland, according to the nonprofit research group, C2ER.

Typical electric and natural gas bills in the city are $121 a month compared to an average of $141 for the Colorado cities included in the first quarter 2008 study.

The average bill amount for the 311 cities included nationally was $168.

Average energy use in Colorado Springs is somewhat lower than many parts of the country due to a relatively moderate climate.

Colorado Springs Utilities attributes its low rates to generating most of its electricity at its own power plants, as well as employing proactive hedging, long-term contracts and use of underground storage to keep natural gas rates stable.