Xcel Energy Mountain Energy Project Proposal
Xcel Energy Mountain Energy Project Proposal
The project is a proposed long-term solution to address utility gas service in Grand Lake, Granby, Winter Park, Dillon, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Leadville and other surrounding communities—impacting approximately 33,500 Xcel Energy gas customers. The project involves new gas utility facilities, such as compressed natural gas (“CNG”) and liquified natural gas (“LNG”); customer energy efficiency improvements; and alternative electric service and facilities. The central purpose of the project is to avoid the construction of traditional gas utility facilities. The Company estimates the project cost to be $155 million.
Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy)
The Role of the PUC in Xcel Energy’s Mtn Energy Project
- When a utility seeks to construct large and expensive new facilities, it must come before the PUC for authority to begin construction, through an Application.
- The PUC reviews the utility’s request for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (“CPCN”) and other requested approvals prior to construction.
- The process begins with the utility’s filing, which includes testimony to support its requests.
- This case is an “adjudication” meaning that the PUC acts like a judge when deciding whether to grant the CPCN or other approvals.
- Commissioner Megan Gilman has been designated as the “Hearing Commissioner” for this proceeding.
- Commissioner Gilman, using evidence provided by Xcel Energy, intervenors, and stakeholders, weighs the utility’s proposal and the overall record, and will draft a decision for the full Commission to consider and adopt at the end of the case.
| Milestone | Summary | Scheduled Completion Date |
| Application Filed | Filed date of the Application | January 16, 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. | |
| 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. | May 6, 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. | June 25 in Summit County Virtual August 4 |
| Answer Testimony | Testimony filed by parties to the proceeding to present their perspectives on the Application and requested actions. | June 5, 2025 |
| Technical Conference | Sometimes used to better understand the Application and its impacts to customers. | N/A |
| Rebuttal & Cross-Answer Testimony | Testimony filed by the Applicant (Rebuttal) and parties (cross-answer) in response to the Answer Testimony. | July 3, 2025 |
| Stipulations/Settlement Agreements | Agreements on parts or all the issues presented in the Application. | July 23, 2025 |
| 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. | August 12-14, 2025 |
| Statements of Position | Final legal statements from the Applicant and all parties. | September 12, 2025 |
| Commission Decision | Final ruling on all issues presented in the proceeding. Click here for the written decision. | November 2025 |