The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is soliciting public comments on four items under consideration in the month of August.

Xcel Distribution System Plan

Public comments will be heard from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 on Xcel Energy’s $4.9 billion Distribution System Plan.

Xcel Energy is proposing to impose a $4.9 billion Grid Modernization Adjustment Clause rider on ratepayers related to electrical distribution capital expenditures from 2025 through 2029.

The proposal includes burying of distribution lines in areas Xcel doesn’t serve, “non-wire alternatives” to traditional distribution projects, as well as a “virtual power plant program” that uses collective management of consumer-owned energy resources.

Xcel is asking to spend about $78.5 million to acquire 25 MW of capacity per year for a period of 5 years.

Register on the PUC Calendar puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.

Xcel Mountain Energy Project

The commission will hear public comments on Xcel Energy’s Mountain Energy Project proposal, Proceeding No. 25A-0044EG from 11 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4.

Xcel is proposing 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 in Grand Lake, Granby, Winter Park, Dillon, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Leadville and other surrounding communities affecting about 33,500 Xcel Energy gas customers. The company is estimating a cost to ratepayers of $155 million, according to a PUC news release.

The project is intended to avoid the construction of traditional gas utility facilities.

The Commission is expected to reach a final decision in November 2025.

Register for the morning session, the afternoon session or at the PUC Calendar puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.

PUC Proposed Gas Pipeline Safety Rule Amendments

The PUC Administrative Law Judge will host a public hearing on proposed changes to the Pipeline Safety Rulemaking on Advanced Leak Detection and Repair, Proceeding No. 25R-0280GPS, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, or until concluded.

Learn more about this proceeding at puc.colorado.gov/puc-home/pipeline-safety-program/pipeline-safety-rulemaking.

Register on the PUC Calendar puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.

Labor Requirements for Electric & Gas Construction

Electric & Gas Rules to Implement Labor Requirements, Proceeding No. 24R-0559EG:

The PUC is reviewing proposed rules on labor requirements for electric and gas utilities in the context of electric resource planning and infrastructure projects from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19. Register on the PUC Calendar puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.

Senate Bill 23-292 mandated reporting of Best Value Employment Metrics for workforces involved in constructing energy projects, including access to training, competitive wages and benefits, use of in-state labor, and other factors, as well as certain infrastructure projects that must be constructed by contractors who provide apprenticeships and prevailing wages.

9-1-1 Services Enterprise Board Meeting

The PUC 9-1-1 Enterprise Board holding meetings  from 3 – 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 and 20.

Monthly PUC Public Comment Opportunity

The PUC holds formal meetings at 9 a.m. every Wednesday of the month, except for holidays. All meetings are streamed on the PUC’s YouTube page.

The Commission accepts in person and virtual public comment at the 2nd Wednesday meeting of the month each month. This month’s public comment session occurs on August 13.

Registration in advance is encouraged, but not required, for virtual and in person public comment.

The commission advises the public that comments may not be about any matter currently before the commission, which includes any topic on the agenda for that meeting and comments specific to any currently pending proceeding.

Other ways to submit public comment and for more information:

• Public comments should reference the Proceeding Number.
• Submit written comments using the Commission’s online form
• Submit through email at dora_puc_website@state.co.us
• Mail 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 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 Megan.Castle@state.co.us