Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Newsletter

May 2026

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New Proceedings

Key Issues Before the Commission

Commission Programs and Other Updates

Notable Hearings & Upcoming Events

New Proceedings

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 Electric Rate Case Update, Proceeding No. 25AL-0494E

Xcel Energy is seeking a $356 million annual electric revenue increase (Proceeding No. 25AL-0494E). Filed in November 2025, Xcel’s is requesting ests to recover costs for infrastructure upgrades, wildfire mitigation, and renewable energy investments. If approved, average residential bills would increase by 9.9%—roughly $9.94 per month—starting in August 2026—while small business bills would increase 9.48%. 

This rate case will follow a process that closely scrutinizes every aspect of Xcel’s request, including a review by PUC’s own staff of economists, engineers and accountants. Parties to the case have until May 28 to file a proposed settlement with the Commission. Any settlement agreement would be subject to full public review and Commission approval to ensure that the resulting rates are just and reasonable. A final decision is expected in Q3 2026 with new rates potentially taking effect in August 2026. 

The PUC invites the public to the second remote public comment hearing on June 16. Register  here. To learn more about the hearing and ways to provide comment, visit the PUC’s Electric Rate Case Key Proceedings webpage.

Xcel Gas Rate Case Update, Proceeding No. 25AL-0538G

Xcel Energy is seeking a net increase of approximately $190 million in annual natural gas revenue with Proceeding No. 25AL-0538G. Filed in December 2025, the proposal would recover costs for infrastructure investments, including pipeline safety and integrity upgrades, system modernization, leak detection enhancements, and reliability improvements.

If approved as filed, average residential bills would see an increase by about 11.4%—roughly $7.59 per month—starting in October 2026, while small business bills would increase approximately 13.0% (about $36.47 per month). As with all rate cases, this gas rate case will follow a process that closely scrutinizes every aspect of Xcel’s requests, including a 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). 

The PUC invites the public to the second remote public comment hearing on July 28, register here to attend.  Learn more about the case and how to make public comments at the PUC’s Gas Rate Cases webpage. 

Update on Xcel Energy’s Colorado Power Pathway Siting Appeals, Proceedings No. 25A-0354E and 25A-0355E

There are two proceedings before the Commission, Elbert County (25A-0354E) and El Paso County (25A-0355E), involving Xcel Energy’s appeals of local siting permits, for Segment 5 of the Colorado Power Pathway project. The project is part of the 550‑mile 345-kV Pathway Project, which will connect customers with electric resource generation opportunities in northeastern, eastern, and southeastern Colorado. 

Each docket addresses the utility’s request for authorization to construct a portion of the transmission line through both counties. The Commission has completed its review of both proceedings, including evidentiary hearings and final statements of position. 

• Elbert County: On April 6, the Commission granted Xcel Energy's request to authorize construction along the proposed route in Elbert County. On May 1, Elbert County filed an application for Rehearing, Reargument, or Reconsideration (RRR). This is a formal legal process used to challenge or clarify decisions made by the PUC. On May 20, the Commission denied RRR. 
• El Paso County: The Commission granted Xcel Energy’s request to authorize construction along the proposed route in El Paso County, on April 29. The Commission’s deliberations can be found on the PUC YouTube page (April 29).

The final written orders can be found at the PUC’s “Additional Key Energy Proceedings Before the Commission” webpage, and project details can be found on Xcel Energy’s Colorado Power Pathway website.

Atmos Energy Rate Case Settlement Reached, Proceeding No. 25AL-0499G

The PUC is currently reviewing a unanimous settlement agreement in Atmos Energy Corporation’s natural gas rate case, Proceeding No. 25AL-0499G. Atmos Energy delivers natural gas to 65 Colorado communities including Greeley, Steamboat Springs, Craig, Salida, Gunnison, Canon City, Lamar, Cortez and Durango. 

Atmos filed the rate case for natural gas sales, infrastructure investment and implementation of a new rider to capture the effects of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and potential changes to state and federal tax laws on Nov. 25, 2025. On April 15, all parties to the proceeding—including Atmos Energy, the Office of Utility Consumer Advocate, PUC Trial Staff, and Energy Outreach Colorado—filed an unopposed comprehensive stipulation and settlement agreement that resolves all contested issues in the case. The Commission will now evaluate the agreement and issue a final decision. Customers seeking more information can visit the PUC’s Gas Rate Cases webpage or Proceeding No. 25AL-0499G. 

Commission Programs and Other Updates

PUC Reauthorization Approved by the Legislature

On May 13, the legislature passed HB26-1326, the PUC Reauthorization Bill, and it now waits for the Governor’s signature. The bill extends the operations of the PUC through 2037, while making important changes to improve the PUC’s oversight and efficiency. 

The bill modernizes how the state oversees essential services—implementing new safety rules for rideshare companies, streamlining the transition to clean energy by eliminating redundant requirements, addressing utility customer service, and allowing the PUC to direct certain utility customer-facing programs to be administered by third parties.

Learn more by visiting HB26-1326 Sunset Public Utilities Commission, reviewing the summary of the PUC Sunset Bill and other legislation that may impact the PUC, click here.

PUC Alerts Students to Avoid Fraud and Hire Permitted Moving Companies The PUC reminds parents and students to protect themselves when hiring a moving company, as they move to or from university or college campuses. The PUC protects consumers by regulating moving companies, ensuring that movers are properly permitted and insured and moving vehicles have been verified to be in a safe and working condition. Follow the PUC’s guidelines when hiring a moving company: Get a written contract. All household goods movers must have a written estimate and contract. Each mover must also have a Colorado PUC permit number that has the letters, “HHG.” If you are unsure whether a moving company is permitted, ask the PUC! If you want to check a permit or file a complaint with the PUC, visit the PUC Household Goods Movers webpage or call 303-894-2070. Using a mover that is not permitted can potentially lead to theft and/or uninsured damage of your property. No moving company can withhold any of your property to force payment. If you have any concerns about a moving company, contact the PUC online, via the complaint form, or call Consumer Affairs at (303) 894-2070. For more information on protecting your property when moving, visit the PUC Household Goods Movers webpage and this Household Goods Fraud Alert.

Xcel Energy’s Summer Time of Use Rates Start June 1 Xcel Energy customers are reminded that Summer Rates are effective June 1 - Sept. 30. The time of day remains the same, with on-peak from 5PM to 9PM with a Summer rate of $0.21277 per kWh, and off-peak Summer rate of $0.07884 per kWh. Non-Summer on-peak rates are $0.18331 per kWh and off-peak rates are $0.06792 per kWh. Learn about time of use, how to control your energy use and costs by watching this Time of Use Video and clicking here for more information, or visiting the Xcel Energy Time of Use website.

In Memory of Terry Bote

The PUC remembers Terry Bote, who died unexpectedly at the age of 71. A dedicated public servant, Terry served the Commission for 29 years, retiring as External Affairs Manager. He joined the PUC in 1992, and was known for his professionalism, calm demeanor and commitment to clear communication on behalf of the agency and the people of Colorado.

Born in Springfield, Illinois, and raised in Colorado, Terry graduated with distinction from Colorado State University in 1977 with a BA in Technical Journalism and a concentration in Public Relations. His early career in sports journalism equipped him with exceptional writing and storytelling skills that served him well throughout his tenure at the Commission. The Commission extends its deepest condolences to Terry’s family and all who knew and worked with him.

Notable Hearings & Upcoming Events

The information below is subject to change, please check for updates at the PUC calendar: puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.

Multi-Date Inclusive Community Solar Pre-Rulemaking Outreach

The PUC will launch a formal rulemaking this summer to implement the state’s new Inclusive Community Solar (ICS) program, established by SB24-207, and host a series of pre-rulemaking engagement opportunities. The PUC invites electric utility customers, community organizations, and other interested parties to participate.

Community solar allows customers to subscribe to a portion of a midsized solar array and receive credits on their utility bill for the electricity generated on their behalf. As Commission Staff develops the proposed rules, customers and organizations—particularly those in disproportionately impacted communities—are invited to share what they would like to see addressed. Learn more at the PUC Inclusive Community Solar webpage.

ICS Community Input Meeting for Black Hills Customers What: Virtual forum to learn more about, and share feedback on, the planned rulemaking scope. Geared toward customers and organizations in the following counties served by Black Hills Electric: Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Otero, Pueblo and Teller. Spanish interpretation is provided.  When: Thursday, May 28, 4PM - 6PM. How: Register in advance for the Zoom meeting here

ICS Pre-Rulemaking Workshop What: Interactive workshop to explore implementation of specific ICS provisions, such as capacity acquisition and Income Qualified (IQ) customer enrollment, into the Commission’s rules. Spanish interpretation is provided.  When: Tuesday, June 9, 1PM - 5PM. How: Register in advance for the Zoom meeting here

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, June 10, 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.

Xcel Energy Electric Rate Increase Proposal Remote Public Comment Hearings, Proceeding No. 25AL-0494E

Xcel filed this electric 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.

Remote Electric Rate Increase Public Comment Hearings Information Tuesday, June 16, 4:30PM - 6:30PM: Register here for the Zoom link  To request Spanish or ASL, please contact Megan.Castle@state.co.us two weeks in advance of each hearing. To learn more about the hearing, view the May 19th public comment hearing recording and more, visit the PUC’s Electric Rate Case Key Proceedings webpage.

Xcel Energy Gas Rate Increase Proposal Remote Public Comment Hearings, Proceeding No. 25AL-0438G

Xcel Energy filed its Natural Gas Rate Case proposal on Dec. 29, 2025. If approved, the proposal residential customers would see an average monthly increase of approximately 11.4% ($7.59) and small businesses could see an average monthly increase of approximately 13.0% ($36.47).

Remote Gas Rate Increase Public Comment Hearings Information Tuesday, July 28, 4PM - 6PM: Register here for the Zoom link  To request Spanish or ASL, please contact Megan.Castle@state.co.us two weeks in advance of each hearing. To learn more about the hearing, view the May 21 public comment hearing recording and more, visit the PUC Gas Rate Case Key Proceedings webpage.

Below is information on upcoming key issues before the Commission in late May and early June 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.

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)

• 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 received two weeks in advance of each hearing. Submit requests to Megan.Castle@state.co.us