Living in Cheyenne with my cats, I carefully track how energy costs change with the seasons.

Cats can regulate their body temperature well, but I have to keep an eye on the electricity bill. I've honestly summarized what it's like to experience energy costs in Cheyenne. I wish I had this information before moving here, so I'm documenting it. Without knowing energy costs, it's hard to plan a budget. The more you understand the energy situation in this city, the better you can plan. I'll honestly share how much it costs to keep warm with my cats during the winter.

The company supplying electricity and gas in Cheyenne is Black Hills Energy. It is the largest power provider in Wyoming and essentially a local monopoly. Compared to the national average, Wyoming's residential electricity rates are relatively low. The average electricity rate in Wyoming is 9.85 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is lower than the national average.

Since Wyoming is a producer of coal and natural gas, energy prices are relatively inexpensive. The average monthly electricity bill for a typical Wyoming household is around $85. Electricity is essential for a cat household, so this is basic information. The low electricity rates are one of the competitive advantages of living in this city. This figure is quite attractive compared to other states.

However, it's important to know that there are significant seasonal variations. Winters in Cheyenne can be harsh. The average low temperature in January can drop to 14.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average annual snowfall is 58 inches. From November to March, you need to properly turn on the heating.

Many households primarily use natural gas heating, and during the cold months, some homes receive bills that are much higher than usual just for heating. Cats prefer warmth, but I bear the cost. It's wise to budget for winter heating expenses in advance. I remember being briefly shocked by the heating bill during my first winter. Choosing a well-insulated home is also an important factor in reducing energy costs.

Summer is relatively less burdensome in terms of energy costs. The average daytime temperature in July is 81.9 degrees Fahrenheit, about 27.7 degrees Celsius, which is different from the summers in Texas or Arizona where you have to rely heavily on air conditioning. Of course, air conditioning is necessary, but even on the hottest days, it cools down in the mornings and evenings, making the cooling burden significantly lighter than in southern cities.

Thanks to the dry air, there are quite a few days when you can manage with just a fan instead of air conditioning. My cats spend their summer days lounging in the sun by the window. It's clear that summer electricity costs are less burdensome than winter heating expenses. Enjoying summer without worrying about cooling costs is definitely an advantage of living in this city.

One thing to note is that Black Hills Energy proposed an approximately 29% increase in electricity rates in 2023. The company explained that extreme weather affected power demand and the prices of fossil fuel raw materials. You can't say that energy costs are absolutely low, and you should consider that heating bills can be higher than expected during the winter months when heating is concentrated. It's best to budget generously for winter to avoid being surprised by the bills. Being aware of energy cost volatility makes living here much more stable.

Still, compared to rent levels in Denver or Salt Lake City, the overall cost of living remains favorable. When you calculate not just electricity rates but the total housing costs including rent, you can see that Cheyenne is competitive. By understanding energy costs in advance and approaching them strategically, the cost of living in Cheyenne is manageable.