The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced several upcoming opportunities for public comment and engagement in August. These sessions are intended to involve the public in decision-making processes on various utility matters affecting communities across the state.
One major topic is Xcel Energy’s Mountain Energy Project Proposal, filed for approval on January 16, 2025. The project aims to provide a long-term solution for gas service in areas including Grand Lake, Granby, Winter Park, Dillon, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Leadville and surrounding communities. It is expected to impact about 33,500 Xcel Energy gas customers. The plan includes building new compressed natural gas and liquified natural gas facilities, promoting customer energy efficiency improvements, and exploring alternative electric services with an estimated cost of $155 million. A final decision from the Commission is anticipated by November 2025.
A virtual public comment hearing for this proposal will be held on Monday, August 4 from 11 AM to Noon and again from 6 PM to 7 PM.
The PUC will also hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to Pipeline Safety Rules regarding advanced leak detection and repair. This session will take place on Tuesday, August 5 from 11:30 AM until 5 PM or until concluded. Details about this proceeding can be found at https://puc.colorado.gov/puc-home/pipeline-safety-program/pipeline-safe….
Additionally, the PUC’s 9-1-1 Services Enterprise Board will meet on Wednesday, August 6 and again on August 20 from 3 PM to 4 PM.
Comments are also being sought on new rules related to labor requirements for electric and gas utilities as part of rulemaking required by SB23-292. These rules focus on Best Value Employment Metrics (BVE Metrics), which cover workforce training opportunities, competitive wages and benefits, use of local labor, and other factors relevant to energy sector public works projects. A virtual hearing for these proposed rules is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19 starting at 11 AM.
Xcel Energy’s Distribution System Plan is another key agenda item. Filed in December 2024 and consolidated with another application in January 2025 due to overlapping issues, the plan requests approval of distribution system investments through 2029 totaling about $4.9 billion. This would be recovered via a new bill rider called the “Grid Modernization Adjustment Clause.” The application also proposes several non-wire alternatives to traditional projects and tariff changes related to undergrounding efforts outside franchised areas.
Included in this plan is Xcel’s request to implement a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program—defined by Colorado statute as collective management of dispatchable demand or distributed energy resources connected to the grid—with a proposed budget of $78.5 million over five years to acquire up to 25 MW of capacity annually.
A virtual public comment hearing for this plan will take place Tuesday, August 26 from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
The PUC continues its regular monthly commission hearings where public comments can be made either in person or virtually during its second weekly meeting each month at its offices in Denver or online via registration links posted prior at https://puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar. Comments may not address topics currently before the commission or items listed on that meeting’s agenda.
Additional ways for submitting comments include using the Commission’s online form; emailing dora_puc_website@state.co.us; mailing comments directly; or leaving oral comments by phone with options available in English and Spanish.
Interpreting services for American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish are available if requested two weeks ahead of any hearing by contacting Megan.Castle@state.co.us.
“The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is committed to informing and engaging the public in the matters before the Commission, and values perspectives from impacted community members, which is critical in decision-making.”
The schedule of all hearings and further information can be found on the PUC Calendar page.
