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.
PUC Sunset Bill Introduced, HB26-1326
The Colorado General Assembly established the sunset review process in 1976 as a way to analyze and evaluate regulatory programs. The Department of Regulatory Affairs’ Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform (COPRRR) completed a robust review process on Oct. 15. The PUC was subject to sunset review in 2025 and the report's recommendations have been brought forward in HB26-1326. While the core of the sunset review is to determine whether to continue a regulatory program or agency, it also makes recommendations based on statutory criteria.
PUC Approves New Energy Resources for Xcel Energy-Taking Advantage of Billions in Federal Tax Credits
The Commission approved up to 4,100MW of new energy generation for Xcel Energy on Feb. 19. The ten projects approved include a mix of solar, storage, wind, and natural gas. A final, written decision will be issued in the coming weeks. These projects were approved as part of a stand-alone expedited process, termed the Near Term Procurement or NTP, Proceeding No. 21A-0141E, which was established to take advantage of expiring federal tax credits. In 2025, Congress passed H.R. 1 Act which set new, earlier expiration dates for renewable energy projects.
In September of 2025, the Utility Consumer Advocate, Colorado Energy Office and Public Utility Commission staff joined Xcel Energy in proposing projects for accelerated review by the Commission. The Commission’s decision moves 3,200 MW in projects immediately forward with a potential of an additional 600-900 MW. Three of the projects approved will be located in “just transition” communities impacted by the planned closure of coal-fired power plants.
The Commission’s approval is part of a broader effort across State Government to streamline and accelerate the development of eligible clean energy projects to provide reliable, affordable energy. More information on Proceeding No. 21A-0141E can be found in E-Filings.
Consideration of Xcel Energy’s Natural Gas Rate Case, Proceeding No. 25AL-0538G
Xcel Energy filed its Natural Gas Rate Case proposal on Dec. 29, 2025. According to the Company, increased rates would fund critical infrastructure projects that modernize the system, enhance safety, and support Colorado’s transition toward a cleaner energy future.
If the proposal is approved as filed, residential customers could see an average monthly increase of approximately 11.4% ($7.59). Small businesses could see an average monthly increase of approximately 13.0% ($36.47).
Xcel is also proposing a $5 million shareholder-funded contribution to its Gas Affordability Program. This funding would come from Xcel Energy profits—not from customer rates—to provide a stronger safety net for income-qualified customers through increased bill credits and expanded disconnection protections.
Key drivers of this request include:
- Safety & Integrity: Replacing aging pipelines and enhancing leak detection technology to protect our communities.
- System Modernization: Overhauling regulator stations and upgrading infrastructure to ensure consistent delivery during peak winter demand.
- Reliability: Strengthening the grid to prevent outages during the intense cold snaps that have become more frequent in recent years.
The Commission discussed initial procedures and schedules at its March 11 weekly meeting. Over the coming months, the PUC will conduct a rigorous, public review process involving expert testimony and community input. A final decision is expected in the third quarter of 2026.
Public comment hearings will be scheduled soon. Meanwhile, comments can be provided online at the PUC website, using the Proceeding No 25AL-0494E. Learn more at the PUC’s Gas Rate Case webpage.
Black Hills Electric Seeks Entry Into SPP+ Regional Energy Market, Proceeding No. 25A-0548E
The Commission adopted a procedural schedule on Feb. 25, regarding Black Hills Energy’s proposal to join the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Markets+ program, which is a “day-ahead" market that optimizes energy trading. The Commission will conduct an evidentiary hearing on May 28-29.
By joining SPP Markets+, Black Hills aims to lower costs by accessing a larger pool of low-cost energy from across the region; increase reliability by sharing resources with neighboring states during extreme weather or high-demand periods; and integrate renewables by moving power across a wider geographic area.
As part of this application, Black Hills is requesting to recover the administrative costs of joining the market through the Electric Cost Adjustment (ECA) on customer bills.
Black Hills is also evaluating whether to eventually join the SPP Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) expansion. Black Hills expects to finish a study comparing these two options by mid-2026.
The Commission encourages public participation to help us understand how these regional shifts impact local communities. Submit a comment for Proceeding 25A-0548E in the PUC’s E-Filings System or email comment to dora_puc_comments@state.co.us.
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