In the coming month, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will host several virtual public comment hearings and encourages anyone who is interested or potentially impacted to participate. The online PUC Calendar is updated with all public comment hearing opportunities and can be found here.
“The PUC wants to hear the concerns and perspectives of community members about the proposed Xcel Energy Wildfire Mitigation Plan and many others,” said Director Rebecca White. “Public comment provides the Commission with a broad range of perspectives from directly impacted community members, which is critical in decision-making. In addition to these public comment hearings, the Commission can take public comment online, by phone, mail or email.”
Upcoming Public Comment Opportunities include:
Xcel Energy Wildfire Mitigation Plan:
The PUC will host three virtual public comment hearings on Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP), Proceeding No. 24A-0296E, over the next few months. The PUC invites community members to provide comments regarding the Company’s $1.9 billion plan for wildfire mitigation.
The Wildfire Mitigation Plan includes Xcel Energy’s proposed mitigation activities and investments, including targeted equipment inspections, repairs and replacements; expanded vegetation management; system protection enhancements; weather and wind modeling; practices related to public safety power shut-offs; and community and stakeholder outreach.
WMP Virtual Public Comment Hearings:
- Thursday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (register here)
● Thursday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (register here)
- Tuesday, April 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (register here)
WMP Stakeholder Meetings:
The PUC is hosting tailored discussions with key stakeholders including state government agency experts. The public can learn more about the WMP by watching these meetings on the Commission’s YouTube channel. More information is available on the PUC calendar.
- Remote Technical Conference: 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27
- Commissioners’ Information Meeting: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, Thursday, Feb. 20.
Electric & Gas Rules to Implement Labor Requirements, Proceeding No. 24R-0559EG:
The PUC seeks comments on proposed rules on labor requirements for electric and gas utilities in the context of electric resource planning and infrastructure projects. The PUC is conducting this rulemaking in response to SB23-292 and to clarify its treatment of Best Value Employment Metrics (BVE Metrics). BVE Metrics provide information about the workforce involved in constructing energy projects, including their access to training, competitive wages and benefits, use of in-state labor, and other factors. The rulemaking also addresses Energy Sector Public Works Projects, which require certain infrastructure projects to be constructed by contractors who provide apprenticeships and prevailing wages.
Virtual Information Meeting:
- 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 21
- The PUC will provide educational information about the rulemaking and how to participate in it. Register here.
Virtual Public Comment Hearing:
- Beginning at 11 a.m. and ending earlier if all comments are received, but not later than 5 p.m., on Tuesday, March 4. Visit the online PUC Calendar for information on how to participate.
Xcel Energy’s Thermal Energy Network, Proceeding No. 24A-0369G:
Xcel Energy filed an application for approval of its Thermal Energy Network Pilot as required by HB 23-1252. Xcel is required to propose at least one pilot program, consisting of one or more pilot projects, to provide thermal energy service in its service area.
Virtual Public Comment Hearing:
- 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21. Register here.
Other ways to submit public comment and for more information:
Public comments should reference the Proceeding Number and can be submitted by:
- Submitting written comments using the Commission’s online form
- Submitting through email at dora_puc_website@state.co.us
- Mailing 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 Holly.bise@state.co.us
About the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state. Learn more at https://puc.colorado.gov/