Wyoming did not have a rate change on October 1, 2026. Rocky Mountain Power, the state’s largest utility, lowered one charge on July 1 and has a general increase pending for 2027.
This article covers Rocky Mountain Power and Black Hills Energy’s northeast Wyoming system. It does not cover Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power or the cooperatives.
Quick Summary
| Item | Utility | Date | Residential impact | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy cost adjustment | Rocky Mountain Power | July 1, 2026 | About −$4.50 a month at 700 kWh | In effect |
| General rate case | Rocky Mountain Power | 2027 | 8.8% requested; 3.9% net for residential | Pending |
| Rate case | Black Hills Energy (Upton, Newcastle) | Disputed start date | About +$32 a month (32%) | Hearing Oct. 7 and 8, 2026 |
Rocky Mountain Power
The request. In May 2026 the company asked the Wyoming Public Service Commission (PSC) for $70.5 million, an 8.8% general rate increase, for 2027. The PSC review takes about 10 months.
The offset. A separate filing lowered the energy cost adjustment by 6% on July 1, 2026. For a home using 700 kWh, that is about $4.50 less a month. The company counts that decrease when it describes the net impact as 2.8% overall and 3.9% for residential customers.
Recent history. Cowboy State Daily reported:
- 2023: a 29.2% request, settled at 16.2%.
- 2025: 10.2% approved, against a 14.7% proposal.
The company said none of its requested increases are related to data centers, and that Wyoming’s large-load tariff requires those customers to pay for their own infrastructure.
Black Hills Energy, Northeast Wyoming
Black Hills Energy serves about 2,600 customers in Upton and Newcastle. It has asked for $5.1 million a year, a 32% increase, about $32 a month for a residential customer (Docket 20002-148-ER-26). It is the system’s first base rate request since 2014.
- Consumer advocate’s position: $3.6 million, and a lower rate of return (7.51% against the 8.13% requested).
- Effective date: the company wants rates applied back to May 1, 2026. The consumer advocate recommends February 1, 2027.
- Hearing: October 7 and 8, 2026.
What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
We did not verify Wyoming’s current net metering or export credit rules for this article, so we give no export rates here. Ask your utility for its current solar tariff, and check how exported energy is credited before sizing a system. Fixed monthly charges are not reduced by solar.
Our solar payback guide shows how the retail rate and the export credit change the math.
What to Check on Your Bill
- The energy cost adjustment line since July.
- The basic charge.
- Black Hills customers: watch for the PSC’s decision after the October hearing.
For help sorting the lines on your bill, see our guide to reading your electric bill.
Limitations
Figures come from Cowboy State Daily and KOTA. We did not open PSC dockets, and we did not find a residential dollar figure for Rocky Mountain Power’s 2027 request.
Sources
- Cowboy State Daily, “Rocky Mountain Power Says 8.8% Rate Hike Request Not Because Of Data Centers,” May 14, 2026
- KOTA, “Black Hills Energy wants to hike electric rates 32% in northeast Wyoming,” Aug. 17, 2026
- Rocky Mountain Power, Wyoming rate proposal
Frequently asked questions
Did Wyoming electric rates change on October 1, 2026?
We found no change on that date. Rocky Mountain Power's energy cost adjustment fell on July 1, 2026, and its general rate request is for 2027.
How much is Rocky Mountain Power asking for in Wyoming?
An 8.8% general rate increase, $70.5 million. The company says the net customer impact is about 2.8% overall and 3.9% for residential customers after the energy cost decrease.
What is Black Hills Energy asking for?
A 32% increase worth $5.1 million a year, about $32 a month for residential customers in Upton and Newcastle. The state's consumer advocate recommends $3.6 million.
