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Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Newsletter |
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Key Issues Before the Commission
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Proposes to Enter SPP RTO West, Proceeding No. 25A-0266E
The Commission is considering Tri-State Generation & Transmission's participation in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP)'s Regional Transmission Organization (“RTO West”) expansion and their updated 2023 Electric Resource Plan (ERP).
“RTO West” is the SPP’s expansion of its full RTO operations into the Western Interconnection of the U.S. bulk power grid, which would make SPP the first RTO to operate in both the Eastern and Western Interconnections. This expansion was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in March 2025. It is planned to launch in April 2026 to unify seven western utilities and federal entities with SPP’s existing energy markets, transmission planning, and grid reliability coordination functions.
The Commission approved Tri-State's preferred resource plan on Aug. 26, 2025, which was a necessary step allowing Tri-State to proceed with seeking contracts for new renewable energy and storage resources, as well as the required regulatory approval for joining the SPP RTO West.
Tri-State’s plan to join the SPP RTO West meets the requirements of SB21-072 for grid reliability, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with state goals.
The Commission held a public comment hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The Commission is expected to reach a final decision in November 2025.
Xcel Energy’s Near-Term Procurement (NTP), Proceeding No. 21A-0141E
On Sept. 8, 2025, the Commission authorized Xcel Energy to move forward with an expedited competitive solicitation to potentially acquire additional clean energy projects before federal incentives expire and to procure other generation projects intended to bolster electric system resource adequacy. Proposed projects will be presented to the Commission in December 2025 with a goal for the Commission’s review to be completed by early February 2026.
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Rulemaking Updates
Commission Considers Proposed Rulemaking Amending Clean Heat Plans’ Emissions Targets for Gas Utilities, Proceeding No. 25R-0309G
The legislature originally adopted a clean heat standard in Senate Bill 21-264 which set emission reduction targets for 2025 and 2030 but required the PUC to determine targets after 2030. The legislation set a Dec. 1 deadline to set the 2035 target.
On July 14, 2025, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing a 41% reduction in emissions from 2015 levels by 2035. To achieve that target, gas utilities will deploy clean heat plans that could include building electrification, energy efficiency, low-carbon fuels, and other resources. The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and the Air Pollution Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) originally developed the 41% target for 2035 but have since filed comments suggesting a lower emission reduction target for 2035, stating that it would be reasonable to set a target between 21% and 41% and that a 2035 target at 31% represents a more realistic, yet still ambitious goal for gas utilities.
In addition to setting the 2035 goal, the PUC is considering whether to simultaneously establish emission reduction targets for 2040, 2045 and 2050. The Commission also sought feedback on whether recovered methane, often called renewable natural gas (RNG), should play a larger role in clean heat plans.
The Commission held a public comment hearing on the proposed rule on Sept. 18 and set an Oct. 10, 2025 deadline for all comments. Please submit a written comment via eFilings or email to dora_puc_website@state.co.us and reference the Proceeding No. 25R-0309G. Visit the PUC Key Proceedings page for more information on “Clean Heat Plans” and this rulemaking.
Rail Safety Section Opens Rulemaking for Wayside System Detectors, Proceeding No. 25R-0408R
The PUC's Rail Safety Section opened a rulemaking on Sept. 24 to make permanent wayside detector reporting rules and added obstructions criteria at public crossings rules. The PUC is creating these rules, based on HB24-1030, after temporary ones were put in place last year.
One rule requires railroads with mainlines in Colorado to report every year on their wayside detector systems, including their type, location, and spacing, plus how problems found by the detectors are handled. The first reports were due Jan. 1, 2025.
Another rule outlines that railroads should strive to not block crossings. However if a train is blocking a crossing, it provides information about what emergency vehicles are recommended to do to respond to emergencies occurring on the other side of the tracks and requires railroads to report specific information if a crossing is blocked and emergency access is needed.
Temporary rules for wayside detector system reporting were adopted in December. The PUC began the formal rulemaking process in September 2025 and will host a virtual public comment hearing, via Zoom, at 11:30 AM on Thursday, Nov. 6.
PUC to Open Rulemaking for Implementation of HB25-1154, Communication Services for People with Disabilities
The PUC is preparing to update its rules in response to HB25-1154. The new law moved some of the PUC’s responsibilities to a new group called the Communication Services for People with Disabilities Enterprise, which is part of the Colorado Department of Human Services.
The law also changes the names of certain phone bill charges. The Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) Surcharge will now be called the Telephone Disability Access Surcharge (TDAS). The Prepaid Wireless TRS Charge will now be called the Prepaid Telephone Disability Access Charge.
The Enterprise, not the PUC, will now handle contracts for the Telecommunications Relay Service and will regulate the TRS provider. The Enterprise will also have authority to set its own rules.
The PUC will still collect the TDAS, while the Colorado Department of Revenue will continue collecting the prepaid charge. Once the money is collected, it will be split between the Enterprise and the Reading Services for the Blind Cash Fund, according to a formula the Enterprise will decide. The PUC also now has the ability to charge late fees and interest on overdue payments from phone companies, similar to how it does for the 9-1-1 and 988 surcharges.
To make these changes official, the PUC must open a rulemaking process and update its rules. A draft version of the updated rules was open for feedback and the public can send in comments once the formal rulemaking begins.
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Commission Program and Other Updates
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Annual State 9-1-1 Report submitted to the Colorado General Assembly
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The Annual State 911 Report gives the Colorado legislature a yearly update on how 911 works in the state. It covers the system’s setup, reliability, funding, progress on Next Generation 911, and the work of both the PUC and the new 911 Services Enterprise. A 2024 law (SB 24-139) required the report to also include the enterprise’s activities and how it spends its revenue.
You can also find the report here: Report on the State of 9-1-1 Services in Colorado, 2024-2025
Utility Bill Help Program Opens Oct. 1st |
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On Oct. 1, the PUC’s Utility Bill Help (UBH) program opened for the 2025-2026 heating season, operating from Oct. 1 through Aug. 31, 2026. The UBH program refers income-qualified customers to utility-run bill assistance programs to help pay their utility bills. Customers are eligible to apply to the UBH referral program if they meet the following two requirements:
- They are a customer of Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Colorado Natural Gas, or Xcel Energy.
- Their income is at 80% State Median Income (SMI) or below.
In addition to the UBH program, the PUC recently helped to launch the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator (CESN) tool, which connects Coloradans to energy and money saving programs and rebates. Coloradans can determine what tax credits they qualify for and how to apply for them, by using CESN. This easy-to-use digital tool connects Coloradans to more than 600 energy rebates and 18 different energy bill assistance programs including federal tax credits expiring later this year.
“The PUC is ready to help connect Coloradans with ways to help keep energy affordable. The CESN tool offers a one stop solution to connect Coloradans with the benefits that can save money and energy,” said PUC Director Rebecca White.
How To Apply for Utility Bill Help:
- Customers should apply for LEAP first if they are eligible. Access LEAP on the Colorado PEAK website to start the application process. Enrollment in LEAP gives customers a one-time bill assistance payment and prevents disconnection of service.
- If you are denied LEAP benefits or do not qualify for LEAP, you can visit the PUC’s Utility Bill Help program to apply for utility-led energy assistance bill programs.
- To find all programs you might be eligible for, visit the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator online tool.
Read the PUC’s UBH press release here.
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Want to share your story with the PUC about Xcel Energy Outages, Billing and Customer Response Issues? |
In 2024, the PUC noticed a significant increase in complaints and comments from the public regarding outages and billing issues on Xcel Energy's electric system. In response, the Commission ordered staff to open an investigation into these issues. As the PUC continues to receive complaints from Xcel customers, the Commission encourages customers to share their experiences at the easy-to-use digital platform - https://engagedora.org/customer-response. This input will help the PUC better understand the scope of remaining issues as it determines next steps. Information collected here will be added to Proceeding No. 25M-0265E. As this proceeding moves forward, the PUC will provide updates through this tool.
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Colorado PUC Launches Consumer Engagement and Outreach on Rideshare Safety
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The PUC launched a new online tool, Rideshare Engage, to gather public input on rideshare safety and broaden awareness of the PUC’s role in overseeing the industry.
In 2014, Colorado became the first state in the country to establish state-level regulations for rideshares, also known as Transportation Network Companies (e.g., Uber and Lyft). In that time, the rideshare industry has grown and evolved significantly. Today, there are five licensed rideshare companies and over 35,000 rideshare drivers in Colorado which together provided approximately 35 million rides statewide in 2024.
The PUC ensures that rideshare vehicles are properly licensed and insured, that drivers have passed background checks and met medical certification requirements, and that vehicles have been verified to be in a safe and working condition. The PUC does not set rideshare rates or fees.
The PUC encourages the public to share their opinions and stay involved in discussing the future of how the PUC will regulate rideshares. Upcoming opportunities include:
- Available now: Rideshare Engage tool to provide experiences, take a survey on rideshares in Colorado, and for future updates
- Oct. 27, 4 PM - 6 PM: The PUC will host a virtual public stakeholder meeting on proposed rule changes addressing unpermitted (or imposter) drivers. Registration and information will be posted on the PUC Public Meetings and Events Calendar
For More Information view the Rideshare Press Release or visit the PUC Transportation Network Companies webpage, puc.colorado.gov/tnc, that has information on Rideshare/TNC regulation by the PUC, and how to file a complaint.
New Xcel Energy Time of Use (TOU) Rates & Times |
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Changes are coming for Xcel Energy Time of Use (TOU). Effective Nov. 1, 2025, there will be two new TOU time periods, replacing the current TOU.
On-Peak periods are 5PM to 9PM on non-holiday weekdays, year-round. Electricity is more expensive because demand is high, and utilities need to meet that peak demand with potentially more costly energy sources
Off-Peak periods are all other times, weekends and holidays. Electricity demand is lower and cost is generally lower using cheaper sources like renewable energy
TOU allows you to take charge of your electric bill. Most people’s electric bills stay about the same. Even small shifts in your energy habits can lead to big savings over time.
- Run your dishwasher or washing machine before 5 PM or after 9 PM
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher during weekday peak hours in the summer
- If you own an electric vehicle, charge it overnight or check to see if your EV qualifies for Xcel’s Charging Perks program https://ev.xcelenergy.com/charging-perks
Xcel has an online comparison tool designed to provide ratepayers with information about their own usage comparing the flat rate and new TOU rates.
To learn more about the Xcel Energy’s Time of Use (TOU) Proceeding No. 24AL-0377E, which was approved in February 2025, visit the PUC Key Issues TOU webpages: Time of Use Rates Proceedings | Public Utilities Commission
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Xcel Energy Elbert County Colorado Power Pathway Permit (CPP) Appeal, Proceeding No. 25A-0354E
The Commission will discuss Xcel Energy’s application and whether to set a procedural schedule appealing the denial of a CPP-related land use permit by Elbert County.
Xcel Energy Elbert County Colorado Power Pathway Permit (CPP) Appeal, Proceeding No. 25A-0354E
The Commission will discuss Xcel Energy’s application and whether to set a procedural schedule appealing the denial of a CPP-related land use permit by Elbert County.
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Xcel Energy’s Distribution System Plan/Virtual Power Plan, Proceeding No.24A-0547E
The Commission will begin deliberations on this Distribution System Plan case. Learn more about this at the PUC Key Issues Distribution System Plan webpage: Distribution System Plans | Public Utilities Commission.
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*Monthly Commission Hearing Public Comment Opportunity
The Commission accepts in person and virtual public comment during the Commission's 2nd weekly meeting of the month (i.e. the 2nd Wednesday). The PUC holds formal meetings at 9 AM every Wednesday of the month, except for holidays. All meetings are streamed on the PUC’s YouTube page.
- Registration in advance is encouraged, but not required, for virtual and in person public comment. The registration link will be posted the Friday before the hearing and can be accessed from the PUC Calendar.
- Please note: Comments may not be about any matter currently before the commission, which includes any topic on the agenda for that meeting and comments specific to any currently pending proceeding.
Other ways to submit public comment and for more information
Public comments should reference the Proceeding Number.
- Submit written comments using the Commission’s online form
- Submit through email at dora_puc_website@state.co.us
- Mail comments to the Commission’s offices at: Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
- Calling (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options)
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