The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced several opportunities for public comment, information sessions, and engagement throughout January. The PUC emphasizes the importance of community input in its decision-making processes.
Residents can participate in a range of events including public hearings, informational meetings, and stakeholder sessions. Details about these opportunities are regularly updated on the PUC Calendar and related documents can be accessed through the Commission’s e-filings page.
A new email address, dora_puc_comments@state.co.us, is now available for submitting public comments. Participants are asked to include the relevant proceeding number when using this email.
Key events scheduled for January include:
– On January 7, the 9-1-1 Services Enterprise Board will hold its monthly meeting virtually from 3 PM to 4 PM.
– On January 8, a virtual public comment hearing will address rulemaking for wayside system detectors as part of Proceeding No. 25R-0408R. This session concerns making permanent rules regarding wayside detector reporting and adding criteria for obstructions at public rail crossings. These proposed rules follow temporary measures enacted last year under HB24-1030. Railroads with mainlines in Colorado would be required to submit annual reports on their detector systems and provide information about how detected issues are managed. Additionally, new guidelines aim to minimize blocked crossings and outline emergency response procedures if crossings are obstructed.
– On January 14, the Commission will accept virtual public comments during its second weekly meeting of the month at 9 AM. All formal meetings occur on Wednesdays and are streamed online via the PUC’s YouTube page. Due to ongoing construction, this meeting will be held virtually. Comments cannot pertain to matters currently before the commission or items listed on that day’s agenda.
– On January 20, there will be a remote hearing for public comment on Xcel Energy’s proposed Gas Infrastructure Plan (Proceeding No. 25A-0220G). The plan outlines upgrades and alternatives for Xcel’s gas system from 2025 to 2030, including approximately 60 projects and requests approval for two specific projects: Louisville to Rollins Pass Project and Speer Canal Interconnects Project. The Commission must review such plans to ensure they meet safety standards and protect vulnerable communities.
– On January 26, an in-person hearing will take place in El Paso County regarding Xcel Energy’s siting permit appeals for Segment 5 of its Colorado Power Pathway project (Proceeding No. 25A-0355E). The event runs from 5 PM to 7 PM at Swink Hall in Calhan and includes services such as refreshments, children’s activities, and interpretation in ASL and Spanish.
Members of the public may also submit written comments through an online form or by mail to the Commission’s Denver office at Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202; by phone at (303) 869-3490; or by email at dora_puc_comments@state.co.us.
ASL and Spanish interpreting services are available upon request if made two weeks prior to each hearing by contacting Megan.Castle@state.co.us.
“The PUC invites the public to provide public comment, participate in informational and stakeholder meetings, and engagement opportunities,” according to a statement from the agency. “The PUC announces upcoming opportunities each month… All documents associated with these proceedings are available by using the search function on the Commission’s e-filings page.”
