The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved up to 4,100 megawatts of new energy generation projects for Xcel Energy. The approval covers ten projects that include solar, storage, wind, and natural gas resources. A final written decision is expected in the coming weeks.
The projects were considered through a fast-tracked process called Near Term Procurement (NTP), identified as Proceeding No. 21A-0141E. This process was designed to take advantage of federal tax credits before they expire. In 2025, Congress passed the H.R. 1 Act, which changed the expiration dates for renewable energy incentives.
“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 2025, representatives from the Utility Consumer Advocate, Colorado Energy Office, and PUC staff worked with Xcel Energy to propose projects for accelerated review by the Commission. With this approval, 3,200 MW of new energy generation will move forward immediately with an additional potential of 600-900 MW. Three of these approved projects will be located in communities affected by planned closures of coal-fired power plants.
This decision is part of a wider initiative within state government aimed at making it easier and faster to develop clean energy projects that provide reliable and affordable electricity.
Further details about Proceeding No. 21A-0141E are available through E-Filings on the PUC website at https://puc.colorado.gov.
