The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced several opportunities in August for public participation and comment on utility matters before the Commission. These include hearings and meetings on major energy projects, proposed rule changes, and regular commission activities.
Xcel Energy’s Mountain Energy Project is one of the key topics open for comment. Filed with the PUC in January 2025, this proposal aims to address gas service needs in communities such as Grand Lake, Granby, Winter Park, Dillon, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Leadville and surrounding areas. The project would affect about 33,500 Xcel Energy gas customers and proposes new compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities along with energy efficiency improvements and alternative electric services. The estimated cost is $155 million. A final decision from the Commission is expected by November 2025.
Virtual public comment hearings for this project are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to noon and again from 6 to 7 p.m.
Another issue up for discussion involves amendments to pipeline safety rules regarding advanced leak detection and repair. A hearing will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., or until concluded.
The PUC’s 9-1-1 Services Enterprise Board will hold its biweekly meetings on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Additionally, the PUC is considering new rules on labor requirements for electric and gas utilities related to resource planning and infrastructure projects—an initiative prompted by SB23-292 intended to clarify Best Value Employment Metrics (BVE Metrics). These metrics concern workforce quality issues such as training access, competitive wages and benefits, use of local labor, as well as apprenticeship programs tied to public works projects.
A virtual public comment hearing for these proposed labor requirement rules is set for Tuesday, Aug. 19 starting at 11 a.m., ending no later than 5 p.m.
Xcel Energy has also submitted its Distribution System Plan covering investments between 2025-2029. The plan includes requests for approval of planned distribution system investments; a new “Grid Modernization Adjustment Clause” rider; proposals for non-wire alternatives; tariff changes; and undergrounding efforts in non-franchised areas. Xcel is seeking approval for approximately $4.9 billion in capital spending over five years through this new bill rider.
The company also seeks approval to implement a virtual power plant program—defined by Colorado statute as a Commission-approved program managing dispatchable demand or distributed energy resources connected to the grid—with an application including performance-based compensation tariffs for qualified programs and $78.5 million proposed spending over five years to acquire additional capacity.
A public hearing on Xcel’s Distribution System Plan will be held virtually on Tuesday, Aug. 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The PUC holds formal meetings every Wednesday at its Denver office except holidays; public comments are accepted during the second meeting each month—this month on July 9 at 9 a.m.—with advance registration encouraged but not required.
“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,” according to the organization’s announcement.
All documents related to these proceedings can be accessed via the Commission’s e-filings page or found through their calendar at https://puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.
Comments can also be submitted online via written form or email at dora_puc_website@state.co.us; mailed directly to their Denver office; or left by phone at (303) 869-3490 with options available in English or Spanish. Interpreting services may be requested two weeks ahead of any hearing by contacting Megan.Castle@state.co.us.
