Some Denver-area residents trying to dodge Xcel Energy’s new generation of smart electric meters say the escape route is starting to look just as painful as the upgrade. One Aurora homeowner told a local TV station he was quoted “five figures” to avoid getting a communicating meter, while others report surprise bills, marathon customer-service calls, and a maze of opt-out steps. All of this is unfolding as Xcel pushes ahead with a statewide meter swap tied to new time-of-use billing that state regulators already signed off on.
Customer accounts and the 'five-figure' claim
As reported by 9News, an Aurora customer says Xcel told him the work needed to avoid installing a communicating smart meter would cost in the five-figure range. The station’s story also features other Front Range residents who describe long waits to reach customer service and confusing, sometimes shifting explanations of what it would actually cost to opt out.
What Xcel says about opt-outs and fees
According to Xcel Energy, customers can request a non-communicating, manual-read meter instead of a standard communicating smart meter. The company notes that a technician will have to visit regularly to read that meter and that a monthly manual-meter-reading charge may apply. Xcel’s materials also say the new meters enable time-of-use billing and explain that customers may choose a flat rate instead of time-of-use pricing if that better fits how their household uses power.
Regulatory backdrop
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved changes to Xcel’s residential time-of-use schedules that took effect last fall as part of the utility’s broader rate filings. In a PUC press release, the commission reminded customers that the updated time-of-use structure began Nov. 1, 2025, and urged ratepayers to review their usage history and rate options before peak summer demand hits.
What to do if you run into trouble
If Xcel tells you that switching to or keeping a non-communicating meter will require expensive work, start by asking for a written estimate along with a clear description of what the work includes. Xcel’s customer materials list 1-800-895-4999 as the number for questions about meters and rates, and local coverage has encouraged customers to review Xcel’s usage history tools and rate calculators so they can see how different rate options might affect their bills.
When to escalate and why this matters
If you cannot resolve a dispute directly with Xcel, the Colorado PUC is the place to take formal complaints and to get guidance on next steps. Consumer reports of billing spikes, confusion about new rate plans, and frustration with the rollout have surfaced in local news and customer forums, highlighting how meter swaps tied to time-of-use pricing can carry real cost consequences for households that are caught off guard.
