Springs utility bills lowest in the state

Colorado Springs homeowners have the lowest utility bill rates in the state.

The third quarter 2009 ACCRA Cost of Living Index shows that typical combined electric and natural gas bills in Colorado Springs average $125.20 a month compared to $155.84 for all other Colorado cities.

Energy bills average $179.38 nationwide.

Here’s how the index ranked Colorado cities:

• Colorado Springs $125.20
• Loveland $135.18
• Grand Junction $150.42
• Pueblo $152.38
• Glenwood Springs $152.49
• Gunnison $156.45
• Boulder $174.06
• Denver $200.52

Bill amounts are determined by typical energy consumption in each city and rates in effect in the third quarter of 2009.

The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is produced by the Council for Community and Economic Research, a nonprofit research group.