- Free Installation
- Free 360 Wi-Fi Equipment
- Speeds up to 8 Gbps
- $20 off per month with a AT&T Wireless Unlimited bundle
- Get 1 Gbps for $45/month
Electric Providers in Denver
Electricity in Denver is provided by Xcel Energy, and we suggest starting your service at least three business days before you move in. You can easily set up your account on their website or by calling, plus, you can opt into their Windsource program to power your new home with 100% renewable energy.
Top 2 Natural Gas Providers in Denver
Natural gas is also managed by Xcel Energy, which makes it a breeze to bundle your heating and power under one account during your initial setup. We suggest confirming your start date at least one week in advance through the online portal to ensure your heat and hot water are ready for those crisp Colorado evenings.
Top 12 Internet Providers in Denver
Internet options in Denver are quite competitive, with Xfinity and Quantum Fiber offering widespread coverage, while Google Fiber and Starry are available in select neighborhoods. We recommend checking for “new neighbor” deals at least two weeks before your move to lock in a great rate and schedule an installation date that fits your schedule.
- 940 Mbps
- Fiber
- 1 TB
- Phone
- 95.69%
- $50.00/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 8 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- 3.74%
- $70.00/mo
Water & Sewage Providers in Denver
Water services are handled by Denver Water, and if you are buying a home, your title company will typically coordinate the account transfer during the closing process. If you are renting, we suggest calling (303) 893-2444 to see if the account needs to be in your name or if it stays with your landlord, as policies can vary by property.
Top 19 Trash and Recycling Providers in Denver
Trash, recycling, and composting are managed by the City of Denver’s Solid Waste Management division, and your monthly fee is determined by the size of your trash cart. If your new home is missing its bins or if you want to request a smaller cart to save money and reduce waste, you can simply call 311 or visit the Denver Utilities online portal to make the swap.
Utilities Summary for Denver, CO
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 2 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 4 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 19 |
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon Home Internet | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| CenturyLink | Fiber | 940 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Google Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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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: 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.


