The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today approved up to 4,100MW of new energy generation for Xcel Energy. 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.
“Today’s action locks in cost savings for Xcel customers as we work to replace aging coal plants and meet growing energy demand,” said Rebecca White, Director of the Public Utilities Commission. “This was an extraordinary effort on the part of multiple stakeholders to bring these projects forward quickly in order to leverage expiring tax credits and save ratepayers billions. The Commission, in turn, closely reviewed these projects on a very tight timeline to ensure the best mix possible for ratepayers.”
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. Today’s approval moves 3,200 MW in projects immediately forward with a potential of an additional 600-900 MW. Three of the projects approved today 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.