Costilla County Power & Gas Notes

Power Notes

• In most areas of Costilla County properties are too remote to connect to traditional power grids and electrical lines, so approximately half of all residents use other power sources. Most use solar power because Costilla County has 280 days of sunshine.

• Residents usually have 1-4 solar panels, and others use a battery pack that is backed up by a gasoline generator.

• To run freezers and refrigerators, many residents use propane-fueled appliances from reputable companies such as Servel. These appliances are cost-effective and durable. To read more about off-grid power check out our Living Off-Grid section of our website HERE.

• Electrical system installation must be completed along with CO State Electrical Permit # and final inspection certificate. Costs related to electrical power installation would be your responsibility as the buyer/owner. Some counties require new power lines to be underground. You will want to contact your contractor to verify pricing (Call 303-869-3449 to obtain electrical permits and schedule inspections).

• You can also call Planning and Zoning Office number for additional power questions: (719) 937-7668

Gas Notes

• Many residents of Costilla County use propane for heating, cooking, and baking. Tanks are delivered by local vendors on a regular basis.

• Propane fill-ups and service-related issues are handled through Monte Vista Co-Op.

• For a more cost-effective means of heating, some residents use a wood stove as their main heating fuel. Several times a year, “Wood Fest” is held. Residents are given access to private forests where they can cut down dead trees for firewood. For each pickup load, they are charged $10.