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Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Newsletter |
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Key Issues Before the Commission
Petition to Keep Comanche Unit 2 Available for Up to One Additional Year Approved; Proceeding No. 25V-0480E
On Dec. 3, the Commission approved a request to extend the retirement date for Comanche 2 to the end of 2026. Additionally, the Commission found that the outage at Comanche 3 was the sole justification for the extension of Comanche 2; ordered substantial monthly reporting and operational limitations consistent with the proposal from Western Resource Advocates, the Conservation Coalition, and the Environmental Justice Coalition. A written decision is expected soon. To read the Comanche Power Plant Unit 2 Retirement Extension Fact Sheet, click here. All documents filed in this proceeding are available here under No. 25V-0480E.
Commission Issues Xcel Energy’s Just Transition Solicitation Phase 1 Written Decision, Proceeding No. 24A-0442E
Xcel Energy filed for PUC approval of its 2024 Just Transition Solicitation (JTS) on Oct. 15, 2024. The JTS is Xcel Energy's next Electric Resource Plan to address the acquisition of new utility resources to meet future electricity needs on its system. The Commission’s Phase 1 Written Decision was issued on Nov. 6. Requests for Reconsideration, Reargument and Rehearing were filed on Nov. 26. To learn more about the JTS, visit the PUC Electric Resource Plan webpage. A summary of the Written Decision is available here and the full Written Decision.
Xcel Energy Files Proposed Electric Rate Increase, Proceeding No. 25AL-0494E
The Commission opened Proceeding No. 25AL-0494E for Xcel Energy’s electric rate increase proposal, which was filed Nov. 21, 2025. The process will begin in December and more information will be available once a schedule has been set.
As with all rate cases, this electric rate case will follow a lengthy and involved process that closely scrutinizes every aspect of Xcel’s request. Several stakeholders are expected to formally intervene in this case (which is conducted much like a court case). The process also includes review by the PUC’s own staff of economists, engineers and accountants. Lastly, the Commission will hold one or more public comment hearings which are open to anyone. Anyone can provide public comment online about this case at the PUC website.
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Approved to Enter Southwest Power Pool, Proceeding No. 25A-0266E
The Commission approved Tri-State Generation & Transmission participation in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP)'s Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) expansion, known as "RTO West,” on Nov. 19. Tri-State's plan to join the SPP RTO West meets the requirements of SB21-072 concerning grid reliability, cost-effectiveness and alignment with state goals.
Commission Issues Final Order on Xcel Energy's Mountain Energy Project Proceeding No. 25A-0044EG
The Commission issued its final written decision on Xcel Energy’s Mountain Energy Project Proposal, Proceeding No. 25A-0044EG on Nov. 26. This comprehensive project, filed on Jan. 16, 2025, addresses critical long-term gas supply constraints within the Eastern Mountain Gas System, serving approximately 33,500 customers in communities like Breckenridge, Frisco, Granby, and Leadville.
A nearly unanimous settlement agreement was filed in July 2025 and the Commission granted Xcel Energy’s application for approval of the project, as modified by the settlement agreement. Click here to view the decision.
The Commission's review centered on balancing the need for safe and reliable utility service against cost-effectiveness and the state's decarbonization goals. Xcel Energy proposed a $155 million "non-pipeline alternative" portfolio, which includes the construction of new supplemental gas supplies—specifically Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)—alongside significant investments in customer-facing energy efficiency and beneficial electrification programs to reduce overall natural gas demand.
The Commission’s final written decision is subject to the potential filing of applications for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration by parties in the case who object to certain elements of the decision or who seek clarification of the decision. Such applications are due in mid-December, and the Commission will address any applications by mid-January.
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Rulemaking Updates
PUC Amends Clean Heat Plan Targets in Rulemaking, Proceeding No. 25R-0309G
SB 21-264 introduced the concept of “clean heat” for investor-owned gas utilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislature itself set emission reduction targets for 2025 and 2030, but required the PUC to determine targets after 2030. The target for 2035 is the first for the Commission to set before a deadline of Dec. 1, 2025. On that date, the Commission issued a final decision adopting a new rule setting the 2035 target at 41% as compared to 2015 levels.
Gas utilities subject to these emission reduction targets develop Clean Heat Plans for PUC approval. The plan explains how the emission reduction targets will be achieved and the associated costs. Clean heat resources may include building electrification, energy efficiency measures, low-carbon fuels, and other resources approved by the Commission.
The final decision setting the 2035 target is subject to the potential filing of applications for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration which are due in mid-December. After this appeal process is complete, the final version of the adopted rule will take effect according to Colorado rulemaking procedures. Visit the PUC Key Issues Clean Heat Plan webpage for more information.
PUC Advances Equity Rulemaking, Proceeding No. 25R-0468ALL
The Commission has opened Proceeding No. 25R-0468ALL to incorporate consideration of equity in the agency’s Rules of Practice and Procedure. This rulemaking is one outcome of SB21-272.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) issued on Nov. 10 reflects the outcomes of a multi-year stakeholder process. 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 is available on the PUC website.
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Commission Program and Other Updates
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Rideshare Feedback & Upcoming Rulemaking
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The PUC wants to hear your opinion and learn about your experiences with rideshares at Rideshare Engage. Additionally, the PUC has initiated pre-rulemaking outreach focused on rideshare safety. This stage allows stakeholders, including drivers, riders, and TNCs/rideshares, 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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https://puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar
Notable Hearings & Upcoming Events
The information below is subject to change, please check for updates at the PUC calendar: puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar
All documents in a docket can be found through the eFiling System using the Proceeding Number.
Elbert & 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.
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
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
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Monthly Commission Hearing Virtual Public Comment Opportunity
The Commission accepts 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 YouTube channel. Due to building construction, the Commission will not be meeting in-person in January, February or March.
- When: VIRTUAL ONLY, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 9 AM
- Registration in advance is encouraged, but not required. The registration link will be posted the Friday before the hearing and can be accessed from the PUC Calendar.
- 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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Commissioners’ Information Meeting, Proceeding No. 25M-0003ALL
The Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) will present on reconductoring, advanced transmission technologies, and CETA financing of transmission projects.
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Commissioners’ Information Meeting, Proceeding No. 25I-0418E
To discuss Staff’s initial report on outreach to large load customers and research on large load regulation in select states.
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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)
- Public comment hearing information is available on the PUC Calendar or https://puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar
- Interpreting services for ASL and Spanish are available upon request when receive two weeks in advance of each hearing. Submit requests to Megan.Castle@state.co.us
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Tentative Commission Upcoming Calendar December 2025
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Below is information on upcoming key issues before the Commission in December 2025. Please note:
- The dates, times and subjects detailed below are subject to change. Visit the PUC calendar, puc.colorado.gov/calendar or the PUC final Commission hearing agenda from the home page.
- All documents in a docket can be found through the eFiling System using the Proceeding Number.
Date
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Case
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Issue
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Dec. 17
CWM
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Xcel Energy’s
Electric Rate Case
(25AL-0494E)
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Formally launching rate case that will extend into August 2026
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Atmos Energy Corporation’s
Gas Rate Case
(25AL-0499G)
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Formally launching rate case that will extend into August 2026
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Black Hills Colorado Electric’s Economic Development Rate (EDR)
(25A-0500E)
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Formally launching a proceeding to examine Black Hills’ proposed electric economic development rate tariff (Senate Bill 25-1177)
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Dec. 18-19
Technical Conference
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Technical Conference
Xcel Energy’s 2021 ERP/
Clean Energy Plan - Near Term Procurement
(21A-0141E)
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Initial examination by the PUC Commissioners of Xcel Energy’s proposed procurement of new utility resources from its “Near Term Procurement” solicitation based on a filing expected on Dec. 5, 2025
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