Gas Infrastructure Plans
Gas Infrastructure Plans
A gas infrastructure plan is a detailed proposal by utility companies outlining the need for upgrades to their gas systems, including potential alternatives to system upgrades. This plan includes costs and timelines and must be reviewed and approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to ensure it meets safety, reliability, resiliency, and emissions standards and protects income-qualified utility customers and disproportionately impacted communities.
Gas infrastructure planning is a new process for the Commission, utilities, and stakeholders. The Commission updated its rules (Rule 4552) setting forth requirements for gas utilities’ infrastructure planning. These rules also set forth the filing schedule for Gas Infrastructure Plans as described below.
Each utility shall file a gas infrastructure plan every two years unless otherwise required by the
Commission through rule or order. The first plans were due according to the following schedule.
- Xcel – file a gas infrastructure plan by May 1, 2023.
- All other utilities — file a gas infrastructure plan by March 1, 2024.
The Commission’s rules also provided a phase-in plan for each utility. Xcel’s first GIP shall be non litigated (filed as a miscellaneous proceeding). Black Hills, Atmos and CNG can file their first two gas infrastructure plans as a non-litigated proceeding.
Current Open Proceedings
| Milestone | Summary | Scheduled Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| Application Filed | Filed date of the Application | May 23, 2025 |
| Application Deemed Complete | Date the Commission decides the Application has all the information required by rule to support the request. This date starts the decision deadline – either 120 days or 250 days after the Application is deemed complete. | July 18, 2025 |
| Supplemental Direct Testimony | The Commission may order supplemental direct testimony be filed by the Applicant if it believes that more information is necessary to complete the record regarding the requested action. | Sept. 30, 2025 |
| Public Comment Hearing | Public Comment Hearings can be virtual and/or in person hearings. The public is allowed to comment orally on the rate change and requested actions. | Jan. 20, 2026 |
| Answer Testimony | Testimony filed by parties to the proceeding to present their perspectives on the Application and requested actions. | Nov. 3, 2025 |
| Technical Conference | Sometimes used to better understand the Application and its impacts to customers. | Oct. 10, 2025 |
| Rebuttal & Cross-Answer Testimony | Testimony filed by the Applicant (Rebuttal) and parties (cross-answer) in response to the Answer Testimony. | Dec. 5, 2025 |
| Stipulations/Settlement Agreements | Agreements on parts or all the issues presented in the Application. | Jan. 5, 2026 |
| Evidentiary Hearing | Hearing held on the merits of the Application. All parties and the Applicant provide oral testimony in response to cross-examination by other parties and the Commission. | Jan. 16, Jan 20-23, 2026 |
| Statements of Position | Final legal statements from the Applicant and all parties. | Feb. 12, 2026 |
| Commission Decision | Final ruling on all issues presented in the proceeding. | Expected March 25, 2026 |
- Previous Gas Infrastructure Proceedings
Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy)
Proceeding No. 23M-0234G
This was Xcel Energy’s first Gas Infrastructure Plan. On Feb. 23, 2024, the Commission issued a written decision (C24-0092), offering detailed guidance to the Public Service of Colorado as it further develops its 2025 Gas Infrastructure Plan. Commissioner Gilman provided further direction to Xcel in Proceeding No. 24M-0261G.
Black Hills
Proceeding Number 24M-0062G
Atmos
Proceeding Number 24M-0061
Colorado Natural Gas
Proceeding Number 24M-0060G