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Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Newsletter |
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Rulemaking Updates
“Best Value Employment Metrics” Rules Approved, Proceeding No. 24R-0559EG
The PUC approved new rules establishing "Best Value Employment Metrics (BVEM),” on Oct. 29. These rules outline labor requirements for electric and gas utilities for electric resource planning and infrastructure projects.
SB23-292 mandated the reporting of Best Value Employment Metrics to evaluate factors such as access to training, competitive wages, benefits, and the use of in-state labor. Also, certain infrastructure projects must utilize contractors who provide apprenticeship programs and pay prevailing wages. The rules apply broadly to public works projects within the energy sector.
PUC Issues Temporary Gas Pipeline Safety Rules, Proceeding No. 25R-0455GPS
On Oct. 29, the PUC issued temporary emergency rules to enhance oversight and safety standards for gas pipeline operators throughout the state. These rules establish immediate requirements on operators while the Commission completes the permanent rulemaking process.
PUC Seeks Public Comment on New Telecommunications Rules, Proceeding No, 25R-0428T
The Commission announced it will open a proceeding to propose amendments to
The PUC invites public comment on a new rulemaking, Proceeding No. 25R-0428T, to establish rules for the state's Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). HB25-1154 restructured how Colorado provides critical communication services to individuals with disabilities. The rules will create a new "communication services for people with disabilities enterprise," that is responsible for managing and centralizing several key services, including:
- Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): The system that allows individuals with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive phone calls
- Auxiliary Services: Coordinating resources like sign language interpreters for the state court system and rural areas
- Equipment Distribution: Providing access to necessary communications technology for eligible individuals
The PUC is seeking input from all stakeholders, including service providers, advocacy groups, and the public on the proposed rules that will govern this new structure. Public comment opportunities include:
- Initial Comments Due: All initial written comments must be filed by Nov. 10.
- Responsive Comments Due: The deadline to file comments responding to the initial submissions is Nov. 24.
Public Comment Hearing: The Commission will hold a virtual public comment hearing from 11 AM and ending no later than 5 PM on Dec. 1. Register here.
Commission Opens Proceeding to Implement SB21-272 Equity Rules
The Commission announced it will open a proceeding to propose amendments to its Rules of Practice and Procedure (4 CCR 723-1) that implement SB21-272. The Commission is required by SB21-272 to consider how best to provide equity, minimize impacts, and prioritize benefits to disproportionately impacted communities, and to address historical inequalities in all of its work.
As the first step in this proceeding, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR). This decision will include proposed new rules and rule amendments that intend to guide how the Commission and its regulated utilities analyze the impacts of their planning, rates and programs on different communities, particularly those identified as disproportionately impacted.
The Commission will take comments on the amendments proposed in the NOPR and rules attachments. Comments are requested by Dec. 23, 2025; Responsive Comments are requested by Jan. 27, 2026; and, a remote public comment hearing is scheduled at 11 AM, Feb. 17, 2026. More information will be available on the PUC website.
Get Engaged: PUC Seeks Public Feedback on Transportation Network Company/Rideshare Safety and Begins Rulemaking Process
The PUC encourages the public to share feedback and get involved in discussing the future of how the PUC will regulate rideshares. In October, 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 Transportation Network Company (TNC), or rideshare industry.
Additionally, the PUC has initiated pre-rulemaking outreach focused on rideshare safety. This stage allows stakeholders, including drivers, riders, and TNCs, to provide early feedback before a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) is issued.
Draft "redlines" of current rules are available to review and feedback gathered during this phase is used to refine proposed rule changes. Find updates at the: Transportation Network Companies (Rideshare) Safety Rulemaking | Public Utilities Commission and read the PUC press release here.
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Commission Program and Other Updates
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November Brings Opportunities to Reduce Energy Bills and Take Advantage of Home Rebate Savings
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Governor Polis, the PUC, the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), and the Colorado Department of Human Services urge Coloradans to utilize the many initiatives available to save energy, lower bills, and reduce the cost of home energy upgrades. Resources include:
On Nov. 1 the Federal Low Income Heating Program (LEAP) began accepting applications. LEAP provides one-time energy assistance payments of several hundred dollars to help with heating energy costs, subject to Congressional funding. An estimated 80% of eligible Coloradans don’t utilize LEAP. Through the PUC’s Utility Bill Help dashboard, Coloradans can locate utility specific bill assistance. Enrollment can limit home natural gas and electric bills to a maximum of 6% of a customer’s annual income.
For two more months, federal rebates will be available for residential heat pump systems, heat pump water heaters, home weatherization, electrical panel upgrades, and home energy audits. Because these upgrades take time to schedule and install, it is important to start this process as soon as possible. Learn more at the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator.
For Xcel customers, Nov. 1 is when new, simpler Time of Use (TOU) rates went into effect. TOU means how much a consumer pays is based upon On-Peak and Off-Peak hours. The new rates and times for On-Peak are 5 PM to 9 PM on weekdays; and Off-Peak for all other times, weekends and holidays.
Customers can look at their own data usage on Xcel Energy’s online comparison tool, to compare TOU and a flat-rate, and choose what works best for them. Watch the PUC’s Time of Use video to learn more. Read the PUC press release here.
Know Your Rights: New Information on Towing, Booting/Immobilization
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The PUC regulates towing and booting (also called vehicle immobilization) to protect consumers from predatory or illegal towing practices. Recent legislation made important changes to the PUC’s oversight of these industries, and the PUC launched new information to help educate consumers, such as:
How to Avoid Being Towed, Booted/Immobilized:
Always protect your vehicle by following all rules and signage where you park. Common reasons for towing or booting/immobilization include:
- No parking permit where a permit is required
- Blocking a driveway or roadway
- Parking improperly in a handicap space
- Parking in a fire lane
- Parking in someone’s designated space without permission
- Parking in a location where you are not doing business
- Parking in a lot for a business when the business is closed
What to Do if You’ve been Towed, Booted/Immobilized?
The PUC created FAQs to help consumers understand how to retrieve their vehicle. The PUC encourages businesses and housing complexes to share this information with residents and customers in order to avoid being towed or booted/immobilized.
Additionally, consumers can file a complaint if they believe their tow, boot/immobilization was improper. The PUC takes consumer complaints, investigates to determine if violations have occurred, and pursues enforcement action if necessary. Consumers can file a complaint with the Consumer Affairs Team at 303-894-2070 (option #2) or email at dora_puc_complaints@state.co.us.
Read the PUC’s press release here.
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Railroad Safety Drill Held
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On Oct. 22, BNSF Railway held a full-scale hazardous materials field drill at North Side Park and Platte River Trailhead Park in Denver. The scenario focused on a simulated train derailment over the South Platte River. The primary goal was to practice simulated response and coordination in the event of a real-life scenario. HB24-1030 requires each Class I railroad to conduct a field exercise once every five years.
The PUC joined the exercise along with the Denver City & County Emergency Management, Denver Fire Department, Colorado Department of Public Safety, Colorado State Patrol (Hazmat), US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
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The PUC 9-1-1 Services Enterprise Board meets monthly
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Rail Safety Section Rulemaking for Wayside System Detectors Public Comment Hearing, Proceeding No. 25R-0408R
The PUC will take public comment on the Rail Safety Section’s rulemaking to establish permanent wayside detector reporting rules and to add obstructions criteria to its public crossings rules.
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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. Per the temporary rules, 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.
Remote Public Comment Hearing Information:
- When: Thursday, Nov. 6, beginning at 11:30 AM and ending no later than 5 PM
- Join the Zoom Meeting
Xcel Energy's 2026-2027 Proposed Renewable Energy Plan, Proceeding No. 25A-0194E
The PUC will take public comment on Xcel Energy’s 2026-2027 Renewable Energy Plan, in which Xcel Energy seeks approval to continue, modify, and add programs promoting clean energy resources, such as solar facilities powering individual homes and businesses and community solar gardens (CSG).
The Company's Plan ties to SB24-207, introducing Inclusive Community Solar, where more than half of CSG capacity is reserved for subscribers who are income qualified, and addresses small-scale clean energy generation paired with a co-located battery.
Xcel Energy seeks to increase its Renewable Energy Standard Adjustment (“RESA”) bill surcharge from 1% to 2% and to use collected RESA funds to support clean energy development over a four-year period.
Remote Public Comment Hearing Information:
- When: Thursday, Nov. 6, beginning at 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- Register here
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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.
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- When: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 9 AM
- 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.
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Xcel Energy’s Proposed Gas Infrastructure Plan, Proceeding No. 25A-0220G
The PUC will take public comment on Xcel Energy’s gas infrastructure plan, which has proposed upgrades to natural gas utility systems. In its plan for 2025-2030, Xcel Energy presents approximately 60 projects and seeks authority to build and operate two projects - the Louisville to Rollins Pass Project and the Speer Canal Interconnects Project. The Commission will hold two public comment hearings.
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Remote Public Comment Hearings Information:
- Tuesday, Nov. 18, beginning at 5 PM and ending no later than 6:30 PM.
- Register here for public comment in November.
- Tuesday, Jan. 20, beginning at 5 p.m. and ending no later than 6:30 PM.
- Register here for public comment in January.
- Learn more at the PUC’s webpage on Gas Infrastructure Plans.
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 11:30 AM and ending no later than 5 PM
- Register here
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PUC Schedules Elbert and El Paso County Public Comment Hearings for the Colorado Power Pathway Siting
The PUC has set dates for public comment concerning Xcel Energy's siting permit appeals for Segment 5 of its "Colorado Power Pathway" project. These proceedings involve proposed routes in Elbert County (25A-0354E) and El Paso County (25A-0355E). The PUC will take public comment regarding Public Service’s request for authorization to begin construction of the segment of the Pathway Project along the proposed route within the counties.
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Elbert County In-Person Public Comment Hearing, Proceeding 25A-0354E
- When: 5 PM - 7 PM, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
- Location: Agriculture Building, Elbert County Fairgrounds, 95 Ute Ave. Kiowa, CO 80112
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El Paso County In-Person Public Comment Hearing, Proceeding 25A-0355E
- When: 5 PM - 7 PM, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
- Location: Swink Hall, El Paso County Fair and Events Center, 366 10th St., Calhan, CO 80808
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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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