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Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Newsletter |
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Honoring and Remembering Former PUC Chair Robert J. Nix
The Colorado PUC honors the memory of Robert "Bob" J. Hix, who passed away on Jan. 5, 2025. A dedicated public servant, Bob served seven years as a Commissioner, including as Chair, from 1994 to 1999.
Bob’s leadership spanned a transformative era for Colorado’s utilities. He navigated the complex transition toward telecommunications competition, oversaw the emergence of the modern airport shuttle industry, and managed energy rate cases and mergers. Known for his steadfast work ethic and commitment to "doing what we do timely, efficiently, and well," Bob earned deep respect for his integrity and his focus on improving the administrative process.
The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Hix family. Semper Fi, Bob.
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Key Issues Before the Commission
The PUC invites all to learn more about the key issues before the PUC here. This resource provides background information on the many cases that come before the Commission, as well as updates on current proceedings.
Xcel Energy’s Phase I Just Transition Solicitation (JTS) Finalized, Proceeding No. 24A-0442E
On Jan. 14, the Commissioners finalized a decision on Phase I of the Just Transition Solicitation (JTS) electric resource plan/clean energy plan after having discussed applications for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration (RRR).
The Commission’s Phase I approval covers how much new generation Xcel should plan to acquire over roughly the next five years, including replacement of coal units and the framework for community assistance payments.
Xcel is authorized to seek up to 6,000 MW of new resources. A significant portion is dedicated to replacing the 750 MW capacity of the Comanche 3 coal plant in Pueblo.
Xcel Energy will now move into Phase 2, whereby the Commission determines whether to approve, condition, modify, or reject Xcel’s preferred cost-effective resource plan. Learn more at the PUC’s Electric Resource Plan/Clean Energy Plan webpage.
Xcel Energy’s Near-Term Procurement (NTP), Proceeding No. 21A-0141E
Xcel Energy’s Near-Term Procurement (NTP) Proceeding No. 21A-0141E refers to Xcel’s 2021 Electric Resource Plan (ERP) and Clean Energy Plan (CEP). The NTP is an expedited subset of this proceeding, authorized in Sept. 2025, to rapidly acquire clean generation resources before federal tax incentives expire.
The NTP process is focusing on:
- Up to 4,000 MW of renewable energy and hybrid (solar + storage) projects
- 200 MW of thermal generation
- 300 MW of firm dispatchable generation (e.g., storage or thermal)
A final Commission decision on the acquisition of the proposed NTP resources was issued Feb. 5, 2026. Learn more about Proceeding No. 21A-0141E on eFilings.
Comanche Unit 2 Operations Temporarily Extended, Proceeding No. 25V-0480E
At the Jan. 21 weekly meeting, the Commission approved the extension of the Xcel Energy’s Comanche 2 coal plant in Pueblo. Originally, Comanche 2 was set to retire on Dec. 31, 2025. However, after a failure at the Comanche 3 unit in August 2025 (which is expected to stay offline until June 2026), the PUC granted a variance on Dec. 3 allowing Unit 2 to run through Dec. 31, 2026.
Consideration of Xcel Energy’s Electric Rate Case, Proceeding No. 25AL-0494E
At the Feb. 4 weekly meeting, the Commission discussed Xcel’s electric rate case initial procedures and a procedural schedule (to include public comments, stakeholder intervention, and evidentiary hearings) that will continue through 2026.
Xcel filed this rate case proposal on Nov. 21, 2025, and is seeking a $356 million increase in annual revenue, which is an estimated 9.9% bill increase for average residential customers—roughly $9.94 more per month starting in late August 2026.
As with all rate cases, this electric rate case will follow a process that closely scrutinizes every aspect of Xcel’s requests. The process includes review by PUC’s own staff of economists, engineers and accountants. A PUC final decision is expected in Q3 2026 with proposed rate implementation in August 2026 (if approved).
Public comment hearings will be set soon and meanwhile, comments can be provided online at the PUC website using the Proceeding No 25AL-0494E. Learn more at the PUC’s Electric Rate Case webpage.
PUC Held Public Comment Hearing on Xcel Energy’s Permit Appeal in Calhan, Proceeding No. 25A-0355E
On Jan. 26, the Commissioners hosted an in-person public comment hearing in Calhan, to gather community input on Xcel Energy’s appeal of El Paso County’s July 2025 denial of land-use permits for Segment 5 of the Colorado Power Pathway.
The $1.7 billion project aims to construct approximately 550 miles of high-voltage transmission lines to connect renewable energy resources from eastern Colorado to the Front Range. El Paso County commissioners previously denied permits for a 45-mile stretch of the project, citing concerns over wildfire risk, visual impacts, and property rights.
Xcel Energy requested the PUC exercise its "backstop" siting authority to override the local denial, arguing the segment is critical for state-mandated clean energy goals and grid reliability.
Residents voiced a range of perspectives during the two-hour session, with many emphasizing the project's impact on rural landscapes and the local community.
The PUC continues to accept comments online. Learn more on this proceeding at the PUC Key Issues page. The Commission is expected to issue a final decision on the appeal by April 2026.
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Update: Progress on Xcel Energy’s 2025–2030 Gas Infrastructure Plan, Proceeding No. 25A-0220G
The PUC continues its review of Xcel Energy’s 2025–2030 Gas Infrastructure Plan (GIP), a comprehensive roadmap for managing the state’s natural gas system. The proceeding outlines approximately 60 infrastructure projects intended to ensure system safety and reliability while navigating Colorado's transition toward clean heat and electrification. Learn more about the proceeding and the schedule at the PUC’s Gas Infrastructure Plan webpage. The anticipated date for the Commission’s final ruling on the plan is anticipated at the end of March 2026.
PUC Upholds Xcel Energy Markets+ Decision, Adjusts RTO Timeline, Proceeding No. 25A-0075E
On Jan. 21, 2026, the Commissioners denied requests for reconsideration regarding its approval of Xcel Energy participation in SPP’s Markets+. The decision reaffirms the Commission’s Oct. 9, 2025, finding that joining the day-ahead market serves the public interest by enhancing regional integration and resource dispatch. The Commission made two significant adjustments:
- RTO Deadline Extension: The deadline for Xcel to file an application to join a full Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) has been reset to June 1, 2029. This reverts to the original regulatory timeline, allowing more time for data collection on emerging market alternatives.
- Sunk Cost Exclusion: To ensure a fair evaluation of future RTO participation, the Commission directed Xcel to exclude "sunk costs" associated with Markets+ from any subsequent RTO cost-benefit analyses.
Xcel Energy remains on track to begin Markets+ participation in 2027. Learn more about Proceeding No. 25A-0075E on efilings.
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Rulemaking Updates
PUC Seeks Public Input on Pre-Rulemaking Power Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Rules, Proceeding No. 26M-0037E
The PUC continues its pre-rulemaking outreach to establish permanent standards for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). A PSPS is used by utilities like Xcel Energy to prevent wildfire ignitions during historically high wind gust forecasts with low humidity and extremely dry conditions.
Following recent PSPS events, the Commission is requesting feedback from residents and local governments to shape future wildfire mitigation protocols including upcoming opportunities:
- Provide public comment and take a survey at the PUC PSPS online tool.
- A virtual public comment hearing was held on Jan. 28 and a Commissioners’ Information Meeting (CIM) was held Feb. 2.
A formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected in Spring and finalized rules are expected by the end of the year.
PUC Finalizes Rulemaking for 2035 Clean Heat Targets, Proceeding No. 25R-0309G
Following a comprehensive rulemaking process, the Commission issued a final decision on Dec. 1, 2025, establishing new greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for Colorado’s major natural gas utilities.
The PUC adopted a 2035 emission target — a 41% reduction target from 2015 levels by 2035. This target serves as an essential step toward Colorado’s statutory mandate of 100% greenhouse gas reduction by 2050. Next, in 2026, major utilities such as Xcel Energy will file updated Clean Heat Plans focused on meeting the established 2030 target of 22% while preparing for the newly set 2035 goals.
Setting targets for 2040, 2045, and 2050 was postponed until 2032 to allow for further technological and economic assessment.
The Commission remains committed to balancing ratepayer protections with environmental progress:
- Cost Caps: Implementation of these plans is subject to a statutory cost threshold of 2.5% of annual gas bills;
- Consumer Choice: Participation in electrification and efficiency programs remains voluntary for individual customers.
The PUC will evaluate every utility's specific plan to ensure costs are reasonable and that energy reliability is maintained across the grid. Learn more at the PUC’s Clean Heat Plan webpage.
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Notable Hearings & Upcoming Events
The information below is subject to change, please check for updates at the PUC calendar: puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.
Proposed Amendments to Gas and Electric Disconnection Rules Public Comment Hearing, Proceeding No. 25R-0519EG
The PUC is proposing new reporting requirements for utility disconnections. These changes are intended to reduce unnecessary reporting burdens, improve the quality and usability of the data collected, and support more effective regulatory oversight and policy development related to energy affordability and disconnection prevention.
Virtual Public Comment Hearing Information:
- When: Monday, Feb. 9, beginning at 11 AM and ending no later than 5 PM
- Join the Zoom here
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Monthly Commission Public Comment Opportunity
The Commission accepts 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. Due to building construction, the meeting will be held virtually.
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, 9 AM
- Registration in advance is encouraged, but not required, for public comment. The registration link will be posted the Friday before the hearing, is available here, 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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Equity Rulemaking, Proceeding No. 25R-0468ALL
The Commission proposed new rules and rule amendments 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 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.
Virtual Public Comment Hearing Information:
- When: Tuesday, Feb. 17, beginning at 11 AM and ending no later than 5 PM
- Join here to give public comment
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Proposed Transportation Network Companies/ Rideshare Rulemaking Public Comment Hearing, Proceeding 25R-0513TR
On Dec.17, the Commission voted to initiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) action, which focuses on preventative measures for imposter drivers engaging with Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)/Rideshares, such as Uber and Lyft. Imposter drivers are unqualified drivers who improperly engage with a TNC's digital platform through an otherwise qualified TNC driver's account. The rulemaking introduces proposed amendments to the Commission's TNC/Rideshare rules, including harsher penalties for imposter driver behavior, on the part of the TNCs and the drivers engaging in this problematic conduct.
As part of the rulemaking, the Commission is exploring information sharing between licensed TNCs, when imposter drivers are discovered. Also, the Commission is considering the addition of a publicly available version of refusal of service reports, which are required to be submitted by TNCs on an annual basis.
- When: Monday, Feb. 23, beginning at 11 AM and ending no later than 5 PM
- Join the Zoom here to give public comment
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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_comments@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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Tentative Commission Upcoming Calendar February 2026
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Below is information on upcoming key issues before the Commission in January 2026. 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.
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Date
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Case
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Issue
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Feb. 5-6 Evidentiary Hearing
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Xcel Energy’s
El Paso County CPP Permit Appeal
(25A-0355E)
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Whether to grant Xcel Energy’s appeal of El Paso County’s denial of a land use permit for a segment of the Colorado Power Pathway
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Feb.19-20 Evidentiary Hearing
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Xcel Energy’s Elbert County CPP Permit Appeal
(25A-0354E)
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Whether to grant Xcel Energy’s appeal of Elbert County’s denial of a land use permit for a segment of the Colorado Power Pathway
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Mar. 4-6 Evidentiary Hearing
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Black Hills Economic Development Rate
(25A-0500E)
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Whether to approve Black Hills’ economic development rate tariff (SB 25-1177)
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