Colorado utility guide

Solar & batteries with White River Electric Association

White River Electric Association serves eastern Rio Blanco, southern Moffat and northern Garfield counties from Meeker. Rooftop systems up to 10 kW for homes are net-metered, with leftover credits paid once a year at WREA’s average cost of power. WREA also leases blocks of its White River Solar array — $36 a year per block for a $5 monthly production credit — which is a simpler option if your roof won’t work.

Cooperative1 Colorado communities on the state map

Utility type

Electric cooperative

How exports are credited

Exports banked 1:1 as kWh credits

System size limit

10 kW residential / 25 kW commercial

Net metering, in plain English

Policy #311 (effective 1/1/2023): residential up to 10 kW, commercial up to 25 kW. Excess kWh carry forward monthly; at the end of each annual period, leftover kWh are paid at WREA’s most recent Average Cost of Power (last 12 months’ wholesale energy cost ÷ kWh purchased), by check within 60 days. The member reimburses actual interconnection costs. Liability insurance: $300,000 (≤10 kW) or $2,000,000 (11–25 kW).

Time-of-use: Residential R1 (effective 1/1/2026): $21.00/month plus $0.12498/kWh, with no demand charge and no time-of-use option. WREA’s 2026 average increase was 4.5%.

Sources & dated facts

Colorado law (C.R.S. 40-9.5-118) requires every electric co-op to offer net metering to systems of at least 10 kW residential and 25 kW commercial, carry excess kWh forward month to month one-for-one, and credit any annual excess within 60 days.As of Sep 23, 2026
WREA Policy #311: 10 kW residential / 25 kW commercial; monthly carryforward; annual leftover paid at the most recent Average Cost of Power by check within 60 days; member reimburses actual interconnection costs; insurance $300,000 (≤10 kW) / $2,000,000 (11–25 kW).As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
WREA serves eastern Rio Blanco County, southern Moffat and northern Garfield counties, with its office in Meeker.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source

Rooftop solar on a simple rate

WREA’s residential rate is straightforward — $21 a month plus $0.12498/kWh, no demand charge, no time-of-use — so every kWh of solar you use yourself saves about 12.5¢. Surplus carries forward and anything left at year-end is paid at WREA’s average cost of power, so size to your annual use.

With no time-of-use spread and no demand charge, a battery here is about outage protection, not bill savings. In ranch country far from town, that can still be reason enough.

Solar blocks as an alternative

If your roof is shaded, too small or due for replacement, WREA’s White River Solar lease is worth a look: $36 a year per block returns a $5 monthly production credit, up to three blocks per home. New sign-ups open May 1–21. It’s a small, low-commitment way to get solar value without an installation — and we’d rather tell you that than sell you a system that doesn’t fit your site.

Insurance and interconnection costs

WREA requires $300,000 of liability coverage for systems 10 kW and under and $2 million for 11–25 kW, and members reimburse WREA’s actual interconnection costs rather than a flat fee. We get a cost estimate from WREA before you sign.

Rebates & programs

Programs change often. Status shown is what we could confirm on the date listed — always check with the program before you count on it.

White River Solar block lease

Open

$36 a year per block for a $5/month production credit; up to three blocks per residential meter; new sign-ups May 1–21, renewals each May.

White River Solar (2026/27): $36/year per block for a $5/month production credit; up to 3 blocks per residential meter; new sign-ups May 1–21; renewals due each May.(source)

Program page

EV charger rebate

Status unconfirmed

EV charger rebates are handled through a WREA staff contact; confirm 2026 amounts.

Program page

FAQ

Questions we hear

What does WREA pay for leftover solar credits?

Its most recent Average Cost of Power — the prior 12 months’ wholesale energy cost divided by kWh purchased — by check within 60 days of the end of the annual period.

How do WREA’s solar blocks work?

You lease a block of the White River Solar array for $36 a year and get a $5 production credit on each month’s bill, up to three blocks per residential meter.

Does WREA have a demand charge or time-of-use rate for homes?

No. The 2026 R1 residential rate is $21 a month plus $0.12498/kWh.

Is there a fee to connect solar to WREA?

WREA doesn’t list a flat fee; members reimburse the co-op’s actual interconnection costs.

Get honest numbers for your roof

Our Colorado crew looks up your utility’s current rules, models your roof, and tells you straight — including when solar or a battery won’t pay off.

Start my free estimate Call 720-370-8056