Key Proceedings
The sections below include information about open proceedings that may be of particular interest to the public. This does not include every open proceeding and other open proceedings can be found by searching E-Filings. You can find more information about how to participate in these proceedings here. This information is provided for educational purposes only.
Implementation of Senate Bill 21-272
Senate Bill 21-272 requires the Commission, among other things, to promulgate rules in which it considers how best to provide equity in all of its work. This proceeding is a “pre- rulemaking” and will not result directly in any new rules. Among other objectives, set forth in the Commission’s decision opening this proceeding (Decision No. C22-0239), the Commission intends to gather information to understand how to define equity and disproportionately impacted communities, understand how it can better engage participants in its proceedings, and assess what kinds of rules or other actions (including revising its policies and procedures) may be necessary to implement these provisions of state law.
The Commission has designated Commissioner Megan Gilman as the Hearing Commissioner to conduct this proceeding. The Hearing Commissioner will issue a recommended decision, which will then be subject to review by the full Commission. Additional information regarding the Commission’s ongoing equity efforts is available on the PUC website at: puc.colorado.gov/equity
Opportunities to Participate
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or, by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
Opportunities for the public to comment are ongoing and are announced through the Commission’s public calendar and at puc.colorado.gov/equity. To sign up for email updates, please contact PUC_SB272equity@state.co.us.
Xcel Wildfire Mitigation Plan
On June 27th, Xcel Energy filed a significant update to its Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) for PUC approval. The updated WMP addresses Xcel Energy’s full suite of mitigation activities and investments, such as: targeted equipment inspections, repairs, and replacements; expanded vegetation management; system protection enhancements; weather and wind modeling; and community and stakeholder outreach. The updated plan covers proposed spending for the 2025-2027 period totaling approximately $1.9 billion.
As described by Xcel Energy, its updated WMP features:
- Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Program for when portions of the transmission and distribution systems are de-energized to avoid risk of wildfire ignitions. Xcel Energy proposes to assist its income-qualified, medical exemption rate, and medical certification program customers through the offering of new rebates for back-up energy support.
- Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) Program using sectionalized protective devices to operate the system more conservatively when wildfire conditions increase. The EPSS program is being expanded to include additional risk-based feeders, installation of new sectionalizing protective equipment, and deployment of new technology.
- Expanded Situational Awareness with expanded expertise and new weather stations in higher risk locations and the deployment of AI cameras.
- Expanded and Refined Wildfire Vegetation Management with the goals of reducing the frequency and potential of vegetation-caused outages and ignitions and reducing the consequence of severe weather events.
- Infrastructure Inspections using drone technology for defect and maintenance inspections, a comprehensive asset registry in high-fire threat areas, and three-dimensional maps of the equipment, the surrounding terrain, and nearby vegetation.
- Expanded Stakeholder Engagement including outreach and communication efforts to customers, OEMs, public safety partners, governmental and non-governmental institutions, and community organizations.
- Xcel Energy’s complete filing and all other related documents are publicly available through the PUC’s website (E-Filings) in Proceeding No. 24A-0296. In addition, several key portions of the plan are available here:
Updated WMP (link to attachment AZS-1)
Proposed 2025-2027 WMP Budget (link to attachment AZS-3)
This is a large and complex filing that will be before the PUC for the next several months as we examine each request for approval and hear from stakeholders. Specific dates and opportunities for public comment will be determined as the full procedural schedule is set. Written comments may be submitted anytime through the PUC’s website.
ELECTRIC RESOURCE PLANS
An Electric Resource Plan (ERP) is the process by which the electric utility selects the mix of electricity generating resources that it will acquire to serve its customers. The following outline ERP activities underway at the PUC.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
Proceeding No. 21A-0141E
The Commission has completed its review of the second phase (Phase II) of the Public Service’s ERP, which includes a Clean Energy Plan (CEP). Through its related CEP, the utility must show it can achieve at least an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
In Phase I, the Commission approved, with modifications, Public Service’s plan to acquire new generating resources through a competitive acquisition process. In Phase II, Public Service solicited and reviewed bids for the needed resources and developed proposed portfolios that are designed to meet its resource needs. On January 23, 2024, the Commission issued its Phase II decision. In the Phase II decision, the Commission found that modifications to Public Service’s CEP were necessary to ensure that the approved CEP is in the public interest. Among other modifications, the Commission authorized the Company to move forward with an alternative portfolio of resources. The Commission determined that this alternative portfolio of resources exceeds state emission reduction goals, but also will likely reduce costs to customers—especially costs associated with curtailments and potential future costs associated with Company-owned gas resources. In addition, the Commission found that the alternative portfolio was just as reliable as the
Company’s more costly preferred portfolio creates added opportunities to further investigate how to optimize transmission upgrades and take advantage of developing technologies, particularly when compared to the Company’s preferred portfolio. Applications for reconsideration, reargument, or rehearing regarding the Commission’s Phase II decision were filed on February 12, 2024. The commissioners will discuss at their weekly meeting in March.
Individuals who wish to review Public Service’s ERP/CEP, its 120-Day Report describing its bid evaluation, the Commission’s decisions and other materials that have been filed in this proceeding can access these records through the PUC’s E-Filings system here.
On March 22, 2023, the Commission approved, with modification, the settlement agreement regarding Black Hills’ 2022 Electric Resource Plan (ERP) and Clean Energy Plan (CEP). The Phase I decision directed Black Hills to issue requests for proposals for an all-source competitive bidding process to meet its resource need. Black Hills has reported to the Commission that it received approximately 115 potential bids, the largest number of bids it has ever received in response to any solicitation. Black Hills will next notify bidders whether their bids were advanced to computer-based modeling. Given the robust response to the competitive solicitation, the Commission has granted Black Hills’ request to extend the deadline to file its 120-Day Report to April 17, 2024.
A Commission decision in this matter is anticipated by the end of July 2024.
Opportunities to Participate
Information on public participation can be found here.
ELECTRIC RATE CASES
BLACK HILLS ELECTRIC RATE CASE
On June 14, 2024, Black Hills filed its electric rate case with the PUC, to begin the electric rate case Proceeding No. 24AL-0275E. The Company contends that its existing rates do not cover its current cost of providing electric service, so it is requesting an increase to recover infrastructure investment and operating costs, including pay and benefits for local employees.
This is a Phase I and Phase II Rate Case, meaning that the PUC will determine both the revenue requirement of Black Hills (i.e., how much money it can collect) and the allocation of those costs amongst customer classes (i.e., who pays what).
On Nov. 8, 2024, the Company submitted rebuttal testimony, in which it requests an annual revenue increase of some $25 million above its current base rate revenue of $180 million.
Black Hills Energy is also proposing changes in the relative amount of revenues collected from each customer class. If approved by the PUC,this would cause:
- An increase in an average monthly bill increase for residential customers of about $15 per month from $109.67 per month to $124.78 per month (approximately 13.8%); and,
- An average monthly bill increase for small commercial customers of $23.03 from $242.38 to $265.41 per month (approximately 9.5%).
- A remote evidentiary hearing is scheduled for December 2 - 6 and 9 - 11, 2024. Information on the evidentiary hearing is available at the Commission's calendar at https://puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
GAS RATE CASES
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
Proceeding No. 24AL-0049G
Public Service Company of Colorado submitted an application for a Phase I (revenue requirement) Gas Rate Case on Jan. 29, 2024. Public Service is seeking a total increase in base rate revenue of $170,655,825 (21.5 percent increase) when compared to its present base rate revenue of $793,561,237, for a total base rate revenue requirement of $964,217,062, effective Feb. 29, 2024.
Discussed at Feb. 28, 2024 Commissioners Weekly Meeting, which can be seen via YouTube.
Opportunities to Participate
The Public Comment Hearing recording can be seen via YouTube here.
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
CLEAN HEAT PLANS
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
Proceeding No. 23A-0392EG
In 2021, the Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 21-264, which established “clean heat” emission reduction targets of 4 percent for 2025 and 22 percent for 2030 relative to 2015 “baseline” values for Colorado’s gas distribution utilities. The Commission then adopted administrative rules implementing Senate Bill 21-264 in Proceeding No. 21R-0449G. Consistent with the Commission’s Decision No. C22- 0760 In that proceeding, gas utilities operating in Colorado are required to present, at least, one clean heat portfolio that meets the emission reduction targets and one portfolio that implements the maximum amount of established clean heat resources within a 2.5 percent retail cost impact cap.
Public Service’s CHP sets forth a preferred portfolio that is designed to achieve emission reductions of 1.4 million metric tons through implementing electrification technologies, demand-side management, recovered methane, and hydrogen, and is expected to cost approximately $150 million per year.
The Commission will convene an evidentiary hearing March 11-15 and 18-19, 2024. A final decision granting, denying, or modifying Public Service’s application is expected in early summer.
Opportunities to Participate
Written public comments may be submitted at any time while the proceeding is open but are encouraged before May 1, 2024. Comments can be submitted through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
BLACK HILLS COLORADO GAS
Proceeding No. 23A-0633G
On Dec. 29, 2023, Black Hills Colorado Gas filed its application for its 2024-2028 Clean Heat Plan. The deadline for filing as an intervenor was Jan. 29, 2024. The proceeding was on the Commission’s agenda for Feb. 7, but has been tabled to an upcoming Commissioner’s Weekly Meeting. Please check the public calendar for updates.
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
Proceeding No. 23A-0632G
On Dec. 29, 2023, Atmos Energy filed its application for its 2024-2028 Clean Heat Plan. The deadline for filing as an intervenor was Jan. 29, 2024. The proceeding was on the Commission’s agenda for Feb. 7, but has been tabled to an upcoming Commissioner’s Weekly Meeting. Please check the public calendar for updates.
TRANSPORTATION ELECTRIFICATION PLANS (TEPS)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
Proceeding No. 23A-0242E
In 2019, Colorado enacted Senate Bill (SB) 19-077, establishing new requirements for electric public utilities to file with the Commission TEP applications “to support widespread transportation electrification, through investments, incentives, programs, and outreach.”
Public Service Company of Colorado filed its TEP on May 15, 2023. A public comment hearing was held on Jan. 10, 2024. The Commission began deliberating on the TEP during its Feb. 28, 2024, Commissioners Weekly Meeting.
Opportunities to Participate
No further public comment hearings have been scheduled in this matter. Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
BLACK HILLS COLORADO ELECTRIC
Black Hills Colorado Electric filed its TEP on May 15, 2023. Known as the Ready EV Plan for 2024-2026. A public comment hearing was held on Sept. 19. 2023. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) issued a written decision on Dec. 20, 2023, in which several parties have filed exceptions. The Commission issued a decision addressing those exceptions on February 26, 2024.
Opportunities to Participate
No further public comment hearings have been scheduled in this matter. Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
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 recently adopted new rules setting forth requirements for gas utilities’ infrastructure planning. The initial plans submitted by regulated gas utilities are being reviewed in miscellaneous proceedings that are not fully adjudicatory. The purpose of this review is to provide opportunity for the refinement of future adjudicated filings.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
Proceeding No. 23M-0234G
The Commission is reviewing Public Service’s initial 2023-2028 Gas Infrastructure Plan.
The Commission has received comments from interested stakeholders and held a public comment hearing. 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. View the May 18, 2023 filing application here.
Opportunities to Participate
No further public comment hearings have been scheduled in this proceeding. Commissioner Gilman is investigating improvements to PSCo’s GIP process in Proceeding No. 24M-0261G, and additional comment opportunities will be made available in that proceeding.
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
BLACK HILLS GAS INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
The Commission is reviewing Black Hill’s initial 2024-2026 Gas Infrastructure Plan. Black HIlls filed its application on March 1, 2024. Black Hills’ initial GIP covers the period 2024-2029. The GIP is intended to increase the transparency of the Company’s processes and practices in deploying capital investments across its service territory. Black Hills' GIP contains the company’s larger capital investments, potential alternatives to some capital investments, and it intends for its investment plan to ensure system safety, reliability, and resiliency, and protects income-qualified customers and disproportionately impacted communities. The GIP includes four projects in the 2024-2026 action period totaling $22.4 million. These include three capacity expansion projects and one mandatory relocation project. The GIP also contains one project in a 2027-2029 informational period.
Opportunities to Participate:
- Written Public Comments: Interested stakeholders are welcome to submit public comments by September 3, 2024 and response comments are due October 1, 2024. Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Please indicate the relevant proceeding number in all comments.
- Public Comment Hearing: The Commission will hold a public comment hearing on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 11:30am-1:30pm and from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Register here for the 11:30am-1:30pm and here for the 4:00pm - 6:00pm session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you would like to observe and not participate, you can watch the livestream on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@COPublicUtilitiesCommission/streams
- Technical Workshop: Staff will hold a technical workshop with representatives of Black Hills on September 17, 2024 from 8:00am-5:00pm. The workshop is invite only, but staff will use public comments to inform questions for Black Hills. The workshop can be streamed via the Commission’s YouTube channel.
ATMOS GAS INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
The Commission is reviewing Atmos’s initial 2024-2026 Gas Infrastructure Plan. Atmos filed its application on March 1, 2024. Atmos's initial GIP covers an action period from January 1, 2024, through December 1, 2026 and an informational plan extending through 2029. The GIP details Atmos’s larger planned capital projects in its service territory in Colorado. Atmos projects approximately $68 million in capital investment for Planned Projects through 2029. Five projects totaling an estimated $29.6 million are identified for the action period, and five projects totaling an estimated $38.6 million are identified for the informational period.
Opportunities to Participate:
- Written Public Comments: Interested stakeholders are welcome to submit public comments by August 13, 2024 and response comments are due September 10, 2024. Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Please indicate the relevant proceeding number in all comments.
- Public Comment Hearing: The Commission will hold a public comment hearing on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 11:30am-1:30pm and from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Register here for the 11:30am-1:30pm and here for the 4:00pm - 6:00pm session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you would like to observe and not participate, you can watch the livestream on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@COPublicUtilitiesCommission/streams
- Technical Workshop: Staff will hold a technical workshop with representatives of Atmos on August 27, 2024 from 8:00am-5:00pm. The workshop is invite only, but staff will use public comments to inform questions for Atmos. The workshop can be streamed via the Commission’s YouTube channel.
Colorado Natural Gas Infrastructure Plan
Proceeding Number 24M-0060G
The Commission is reviewing CNG’s initial 2024-2026 Gas Infrastructure Plan. CNG filed its application on March 1, 2024. CNG's initial GIP is an informational plan for 2024-2029. The GIP details planned projects, their scope, purpose, budget, and other information related to the gas distribution systems in Colorado. The GIP includes three planned projects: (1) the Eastern Steel High-Pressure Line Replacement (Eastern Steel), (2) the GCC Concrete Plant-Pueblo (GCC project), and (3) the Port Colorado Trunk Line and Infill project (Port Colorado project).
Opportunities to Participate:
- Written Public Comments: Interested stakeholders are welcome to submit public comments by July 23, 2024 and response comments are due August 20, 2024. Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Please indicate the relevant proceeding number in all comments.
- Public Comment Hearing: The Commission will hold a public comment hearing on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you would like to observe and not participate, you can watch the livestream on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@COPublicUtilitiesCommission/streams
- Technical Workshop: Staff will hold a technical workshop with representatives of CNG on August 6, 2024 from 8:00am-5:00pm. The workshop is invite only, but staff will use public comments to inform questions for CNG. The workshop can be streamed via the Commission’s YouTube channel.
RULEMAKING PROCEEDINGS
Commission Examination of Potential Transmission Solutions for the San Luis Valley
On June 2, 2022, the Commission issued Decision No. C22-0270 in Proceeding No. 21A-0096E, and granted Public Service Company of Colorado a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for its Colorado Power Pathway 345 kilovolt Transmission Project. That decision also approved a settlement that recommended the Commission open a miscellaneous proceeding to solicit further comments and study the potential value in alternative transmission solutions into and out of Colorado’s San Luis Valley. The Commission subsequently opened this proceeding as a repository for comments and a means to further examine potential transmission solutions for the San Luis Valley.
The Commission requested initial comments be filed no later than Feb. 3, 2023. Additional requests for comment or scheduling decisions will be made by separate order.
Opportunities to Participate
No further public comment hearings have been scheduled in this matter.
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options).
Commission’s Implementation of House Bill 23-1281 Concerning Utility Development of Clean Hydrogen Projects
On May 22, 2023, Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 23-1281 which sets out measures to advance the use of clean hydrogen in Colorado. The Commission has opened this proceeding to gather information and data that will enable it to promulgate appropriate rules for the implementation of clean hydrogen projects, and to consider the requirements for and the analysis of applications for clean hydrogen projects by investor-owned utilities. The proceeding will also serve as a pre-rulemaking repository for relevant information in preparation for a future rulemaking.
The Commission has requested comments from utilities on specific questions. Those comments, along with comments filed by other stakeholders, are publicly available through the Commission’s website (click on the hyperlink in the Proceeding number above). The Commission will set further deadlines and procedural matters by separate order.
Opportunities to Participate
No further public comment hearings have been scheduled in this matter.
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the online comment form; by emailing comments to dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments by voicemail (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
CenturyLink Proposed Basic Emergency Service Tariff Amendment - New Services
This Commission has suspended and set for hearing a proposed tariff amendment to introduce new services and corresponding pricing to CenturyLink's Basic Emergency Service tariff. The Commission has referred this matter to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who will adopt a procedural schedule, including any hearing dates. The new services include statewide text-to-911 service and geospatial routing of 9-1-1 calls.
Opportunities to Participate
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the PUC’s online comment form; by emailing comments to the dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
Proceeding No. 24AL-0438T
CenturyLink Proposed Basic Emergency Service Tariff Amendment - Additional Redundancy
This Commission has suspended and set for hearing a proposed tariff amendment to raise pricing to CenturyLink's Basic Emergency Service tariff in order to pay for additional network redundancy aimed at reducing local 9-1-1 outages. The Commission has referred this matter to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who will adopt a procedural schedule, including any hearing dates.
Opportunities to Participate
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the PUC’s online comment form; by emailing comments to the dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
Proceeding No. 24F-0470T
Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority vs. CenturyLink Formal Complaint
The Commission has ordered a hearing for a formal complaint submitted by the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) against CenturyLink. The Commission has referred this matter to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who will adopt a procedural schedule, including any hearing dates.
Opportunities to Participate
Written public comments can be submitted at any time through the PUC’s online comment form; by emailing comments to the dora_puc_website@state.co.us; or by mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Members of the public may also call (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options). Commenters should indicate the relevant proceeding number in their comments.
About the Rulemaking
The Commission recently issued proposed rules that would require utilities to consult and engage with federally recognized Tribes and the Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to identify potential impacts to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. The rules are drafted to recognize the role of local governments in siting decisions and to acknowledge that there are significant and complex federal, state, and local requirements for protecting cultural resources. The rules also propose processes for identifying whether other sites should be considered in Commission proceedings.
Utilities would be required to establish processes in their electric resource plans that ensure that bidders provide relevant information about cultural resource surveys and consultation with Tribal Nations. This information would help ensure the Commission has a robust understanding of potential impacts to the Sand Creek Massacre site and opportunities to mitigate them when it makes decisions about what energy resources to approve for regulated utilities.
Opportunities to Participate
This rulemaking is Proceeding No. 24R-0306E. Proposed rules have been issued through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Decision No. C24-0494 (issued July 11, 2024). The proceeding is being overseen by an administrative law judge, who will issue a recommended decision on the rules in the coming months.
Agency staff held an informational meeting on the proceeding and rulemaking process on August 1, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. MT. The meeting recording can be found at the following link on YouTube: August 1 Information Meeting (YouTube link)
Agenda for August 1 meeting
Slides for August 1 meeting
Stakeholders also have the opportunity to provide comments both in writing and at an upcoming public comment hearing. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requests initial written comments by August 9 and responsive comments by August 16. Comments can be provided any time the proceeding remains open through the methods on the PUC website.
A virtual public comment hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The hearing is anticipated to last until approximately 5:00 p.m., however, it may end significantly earlier depending on attendance. The hearing will be conducted via Zoom. Please register using the link provided on the public calendar: https://puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.
To be notified in case of additional meetings or workshops on this topic, please sign up here.
If you would like to observe and not participate in upcoming events, they can be viewed live or recorded on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@COPublicUtilitiesCommission.