- Free Xfinity Mobile Line for 1 year
- Free Peacock Premium*
- Free WiFi Equipment for 24 months
- $100 Visa Prepaid Cards for students
Quick Utility Facts
- The electric and natural gas utility in Denver is Xcel Energy.
- Internet service is provided by Xfinity, Quantum Fiber, and CenturyLink. The fastest internet plan is offered by Quantum Fiber with download speeds of 8 Gbps.
- The cheapest internet plan in Denver is $30.00/month from Xfinity.
- Denver Water provides clean drinking water, while the City of Denver provides trash, recycling and sewer services.
Electric Providers in Denver
Electricity across the Mile High City is supplied exclusively by Xcel Energy, an investor-owned utility regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Because electricity remains a regulated monopoly territory, you establish service directly through Xcel’s portal. Residential accounts default to Xcel’s Time of Use (TOU) rate structure, where electricity consumed during weekday On-Peak hours (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM) costs significantly more than during off-peak hours (all day before 5:00 PM, after 9:00 PM, and all weekends and holidays). During high-demand summer heatwaves when central A/C units work overtime, running heavy appliances during the evening peak can send power bills climbing. To keep electric costs manageable, households rely on smart thermostats to pre-cool living spaces in the afternoon and schedule laundry, dishwashing, and electric vehicle charging during off-peak windows.
Natural Gas Providers in Denver
Natural gas service across Denver is distributed and supplied by Xcel Energy, operating under regulated utility tariffs overseen by state regulators. Natural gas commodity costs and physical pipeline delivery fees are bundled together on your statement, protecting residential customers from third-party marketer markups. Xcel assesses a mandatory fixed monthly customer service fee alongside volumetric distribution rates per therm. Because Denver winters bring freezing temperatures and heavy snowstorms, natural gas forced-air furnaces, radiator boilers, and water heaters run heavily for months. Gas usage drops off sharply once the snow melts in the spring; however, Xcel’s fixed customer charge ensures your statement maintains a persistent baseline cost year-round, even in July or August when your home heating system is completely shut down.
Top 13 Internet Providers in Denver
- 2 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 98.7%
- $30.00/mo
- Lock in Your Price for 5 Years
- 8 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 95.28%
- $30.00/mo
- 940 Mbps
- DSL & Fiber
- 1 TB
- Phone
- 95.28%
- $50.00/mo
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.94%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Great for Renters
- 498 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 98.92%
- $50.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.74%
- $40.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $55.00/mo
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 8 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- 4.6%
- $70.00/mo
- 1 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- 1.22%
- $72.00/mo
- 1 Gbps
- Fixed Wireless
- Unlimited
- 34.27%
- $75.00/mo
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- Limited%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
Getting set up with internet in Denver is pretty straightforward, but your best option depends heavily on your specific block. Your two main wired providers are Quantum Fiber for symmetrical multi-gigabit fiber and Xfinity for widespread cable coverage, alongside solid 5G home wireless options from T-Mobile and Verizon. If you are moving into an established neighborhood with historic brick bungalows or Victorians — like Wash Park, the Highlands, Baker, or Capitol Hill — check whether fiber has already been pulled to the home, as older alley utility lines can sometimes cause brief installation delays. In newer apartment developments and loft conversions in RiNo, LoDo, or Cherry Creek, high-speed fiber is often pre-wired, though some buildings have exclusive marketing agreements with a single provider.
Water & Sewage Providers in Denver
Water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater drainage services operate through a two-agency municipal system. Potable drinking water is delivered and billed monthly by Denver Water, which sources clean mountain snowpack from reservoirs throughout the Rocky Mountains. Denver Water uses an escalating three-tiered volumetric rate structure that charges higher rates as monthly water consumption increases. Meanwhile, wastewater collection and stormwater drainage are managed and billed separately by the City and County of Denver Wastewater Management Division (DOTI). DOTI calculates your sewer bill using a Winter Water Averaging system: your monthly sewer charge is capped based on your indoor water consumption measured during winter billing cycles. An undetected running toilet or indoor plumbing leak during those winter tracking months will artificially inflate your monthly sewer bill for the entire upcoming year.
Top 18 Trash and Recycling Providers in Denver
Trash and recycling in Denver run on a city-managed “Pay-As-You-Throw” system with three color-coded rolling carts provided by Denver Solid Waste Management (DOTI). You get a black cart for trash (picked up weekly, with monthly fees tied to the cart size: $9 for 35 gallons, $13 for 65 gallons, or $21 for 95 gallons), a purple cart for recycling (picked up every other week), and a green cart for compost (picked up weekly, included at no extra cost). Because composting food scraps and yard waste is free and picked up every week, downsizing to a smaller black trash cart is an easy way to save money on your monthly bill. Make sure to keep plastic bags out of the purple and green carts, and roll your bins out to the alley line or curb by 7:00 AM on your collection day with three feet of clearance around them.
Utilities Summary for Denver, CO
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 1 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 4 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 18 |
| Municipal Electricity: | Yes |
A Guide to Denver Utility Services
Denver, the Mile High City, where stunning mountain views, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless outdoor adventures await! Whether you’re exploring the trendy RiNo Arts District, catching a game at Coors Field, or hitting the slopes just a short drive away, Denver has something for everyone. But before you dive into all the fun, let’s get your utilities squared away. Here’s everything you need to know about electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and internet services in Denver.
Electricity in Denver
Denver’s primary electricity provider is Xcel Energy (previously known as the Public Service Company of Colorado), which powers most homes in the city and surrounding areas. Xcel is committed to renewable energy, with a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, great news for eco-conscious residents! Xcel’s Colorado Power Pathway, a $1.7 billion transmission buildout, is expanding the grid to better support renewables. They’ve also been recognized by the ACEEE for exemplary efficiency programs.
Denver’s weather can swing from snowy winters to hot summers, so your energy bills might vary, but Xcel offers great rebates to help you save.
Key Features & Rebates:
- Energy Efficiency Programs: Xcel offers rebates for smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, and home weatherization.
- Solar Rewards: If you install solar panels, you can earn credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.
- Time-of-Use Plans: Save money by using electricity during off-peak hours.
- The Whole Home Efficiency Bonus: stackable 25% bonus on qualifying upgrades
Plus, Xcel partners with Google to bring smart-home tools to help you monitor and optimize energy use.
Natural Gas in Denver
Denver winters can get chilly, so reliable natural gas is a must. Xcel Energy also handles natural gas for most of the city, while Atmos Energy serves some outlying areas. Both providers offer budget billing to help smooth out seasonal spikes in your bill..
Key Features & Rebates:
- Rebates for High-Efficiency Furnaces & Water Heaters: Upgrade your appliances and get cash back.
- Budget Billing: Even out your monthly payments to avoid winter spikes.
- Gas Leak Safety: Xcel provides free gas leak checks, safety first!
Water Services in Denver
Denver’s water comes from pristine mountain snowmelt, and Denver Water ensures it’s clean and safe when it reaches your tap. They focus on conservation (key in Colorado’s semi-arid climate) and infrastructure upgrades to ensure clean, reliable water.
Key Features & Rebates:
- Tiered Water Rates: Encourages conservation, indoor use is cheapest, while excessive outdoor watering costs more .
- Rebates for Water-Wise Landscaping: Get $$ for replacing thirsty Kentucky bluegrass with drought-tolerant plants.
- Lead Service Line Replacement: Denver Water proactively replaces old lead pipes at no direct cost to homeowners.
Denver Water helped coin “xeriscape” in the early 1980s, a key part of water-conservation culture . They also pioneered potable water reuse back in the ’80s.
Trash & Recycling Services in Denver
Denver’s Solid Waste Management department handles trash, recycling, and composting, with an easy-to-use color-coded bin system (black for trash, purple for compost, blue for recycling). The city has a strong focus on sustainability, with easy recycling programs and yard waste composting. They even offer free compost drop-off events, great for gardeners looking to enrich their soil sustainably!
Key Features:
- Weekly Trash & Recycling Pickup: Includes single-stream recycling (no sorting needed!).
- Extra Trash Service: Need to toss more? Schedule a pickup for large items.
- Compost Program: Divert food scraps and yard waste from landfills—opt-in for a small bin.
Best Internet Providers in Denver
Denver has a competitive internet market, with options ranging from super-fast fiber to affordable cable. Here’s the lowdown on the top picks:
Top Providers & Plans:
Quantum Fiber/CenturyLink – Best Overall
- Availability: Fiber Covers almost 96% of the metro
- Speed: Up to 8 Gbps (insanely fast!) where available. CenturyLink also offers fiber and DSL with speeds up to 940 Mbps.
- Price: $45–$165/month
- Perks: No contracts, no data caps, free installation
Xfinity – Best Coverage
- Availability: Wide availability to more than 98% of the area.
- Speed: Up to 2 Gbps over their cable network
- Price: $30–$85/month (intro rates)
- Perks: Wide availability, bundling options with TV/phone
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet – Best for Flexibility
- Availability: Wireless coverage to almost 99% of the city
- Speed: 133–415 Mbps
- Price: $50/month (discounts for mobile customers)
- Perks: No equipment fees, no contracts
Green Energy & Conservation Tips
Electric & EVs
- Xcel’s rebates for EV chargers and TOU rates help you save by charging when demand (and price) is low.
- Efficiency rebates can be stacked with federal tax credits for heat pumps and insulation
Water Conservation
- Xeriscaping and smart irrigation are widely supported with rebates from Denver Water
- Free water-saving home assessments and gear may be available via organizations like Mile High Youth Corps
Financial Assistance Programs for Utility Bills in Denver
1. Denver Rent & Utility Help
City-run assistance may cover current and past bills for Denver Water and Xcel Energy, but only when combined with rent aid.
2. LIHWAP (Water)
Low-Income Housing Water Assistance Program helps eligible Coloradans pay or reconnect their water service bancroftclover.com.
3. Colorado LIHEAP & CARE Programs (Energy)
- LIHEAP offers bill payment help for qualifying households
- CARE (Colorado Affordable Residential Energy) gives free efficiency upgrades, like insulation, LED bulbs, smart thermostats, for income-qualified homes.
4. Xcel State & Company Assistance
Through Xcel you can access state-specific funds for bill aid and weatherization. They also participate in solar and heat pump programs, monitor application openings each season .
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Denver Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Denver
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 2 Gbps |
| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps |
| CenturyLink | DSL & Fiber | 940 Mbps |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 498 Mbps |
| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps |
| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps |
| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies |
| Google Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps |
| Allo Fiber | Fiber | 1 Gbps |
| Starry | Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps |
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps |
*Not all speeds available in all areas
Denver Drinking Water Quality Information
Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.
Denver's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
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Legal limit: 100 ppb
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Legal limit: 60 ppb
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I set up my Xcel Energy account?
We recommend reaching out to Xcel Energy at least three business days before your move-in date. You can easily schedule your start date online, and your power will usually be active by 8:00 a.m. on the day you requested.
Can I choose renewable energy for my new home?
Absolutely, and we highly recommend it! Xcel Energy offers a program called Windsource, which allows you to pay a small monthly premium to ensure some or all of your energy comes from Colorado wind farms. It is one of the easiest ways to make your new move eco-conscious from day one.
What should I do if I smell gas in my new house?
Safety is our top priority. If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, do not turn on any lights or use your phone inside. Leave the house immediately and, once you are at a safe distance, call 911 and the Xcel Energy emergency line at (800) 895-4999.
Are there rules about when I can water my lawn?
Yes, Denver takes water conservation seriously. From May 1 — Oct. 1, Denver Water enforced annual summer watering rules, which include no watering between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and limiting outdoor watering to no more than three days per week.
Does Denver Water offer rebates for high-efficiency appliances?
They sure do! We love seeing neighbors save water and money. You can often find rebates for high-efficiency toilets and smart irrigation controllers, just be sure to keep your receipts and apply within 90 days of your purchase.
How is my trash bill calculated?
Denver recently moved to a “sustainable billing” model, which means you pay based on the size of your black trash cart. The smaller your cart, the less you pay, currently ranging from about $9 to $21 per month. The best part? Weekly recycling and composting are included at no extra charge!
What can I put in my green compost bin?
Denver’s composting program is fantastic and accepts all food scraps (including meat and dairy), coffee grounds, and yard waste. By using your green bin instead of the trash, you are helping the city reach its goal of keeping 50% of household waste out of the landfill.
How do I get rid of large items after unpacking?
For those large moving boxes or old furniture, Denver offers Extra Trash Collection every four weeks. You can put out up to five large items or 10 bags of extra trash on your scheduled day, just check your calendar on the Denver Utilities website.
Which neighborhoods have Google Fiber?
While Xfinity and CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) are available almost everywhere, Google Fiber is expanding rapidly through neighborhoods like Berkeley, Congress Park, and Central Park. We suggest checking your specific address at least two weeks before you move to lock in the fastest speeds.
Are there programs to help with high utility bills?
Yes, we want to make sure all our neighbors stay warm. The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps Colorado families with a portion of their winter heating bills. You can apply between Nov. 1 and April 30 each year.
How do Xcel Energy's 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Time of Use (TOU) peak hours work?
Under Xcel’s standard residential TOU plan, the electricity you use between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, Monday through Friday, carries the highest per-kWh rate. All other hours — including all day on weekends and major holidays — are billed at the discounted off-peak rate. Shifting your laundry, running the dishwasher before bed, and pre-cooling your home before 5:00 PM will keep your electric bill significantly lower.
Why do I receive two separate water and sewer bills in Denver?
Clean drinking water and wastewater are managed by two distinct entities. You receive a monthly bill from Denver Water for your metered potable water consumption. Separately, you receive a bill from the City and County of Denver Wastewater Management Division (DOTI) covering local sewer pipe maintenance, regional sewage treatment, and stormwater drainage.