The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced a series of upcoming virtual public comment hearings and is inviting community members to participate. The hearings are scheduled to gather input on several significant utility matters, including Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan, new labor requirements for electric and gas utilities, and Xcel Energy’s proposed Thermal Energy Network Pilot.
“The PUC wants to hear the concerns and perspectives of community members about the proposed Xcel Energy Wildfire Mitigation Plan and many others,” said Director Rebecca White. “Public comment provides the Commission with a broad range of perspectives from directly impacted community members, which is critical in decision-making. In addition to these public comment hearings, the Commission can take public comment online, by phone, mail or email.”
Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan involves $1.9 billion in investments focused on wildfire prevention measures such as equipment inspections and repairs, vegetation management, system protection upgrades, weather modeling enhancements, protocols for public safety power shut-offs, and increased outreach efforts. The PUC will hold three virtual hearings over the next few months for this plan under Proceeding No. 24A-0296:
– Thursday, Feb. 6: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
– Thursday, March 13: 9 a.m.–11 a.m.
– Tuesday, April 29: 4 p.m.–6 p.m.
In addition to these hearings, stakeholder meetings involving state government experts will be available for viewing on the Commission’s YouTube channel.
For those interested in labor requirements affecting electric and gas utilities—a rulemaking initiated following SB23-292—the PUC seeks feedback on Best Value Employment Metrics (BVE Metrics). These metrics evaluate workforce aspects such as training opportunities, wages and benefits competitiveness, local hiring practices, and contractor requirements for apprenticeships and prevailing wages on certain projects. An information meeting is set for Jan. 21 from noon to 1 p.m., with a related public hearing scheduled for March 4 starting at 11 a.m.
Xcel Energy has also submitted an application for its Thermal Energy Network Pilot as mandated by HB23-1252. This pilot aims to provide thermal energy services within its service area. A hearing dedicated to this topic will be held virtually on Jan. 21 from 4 p.m.–6 p.m.
Details about all upcoming events are updated regularly on the online PUC Calendar at https://puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar.
Public comments referencing specific proceeding numbers may be submitted through several channels: written comments via an online form; email submissions; mailed correspondence; or oral comments left by phone at (303) 869-3490 in both English and Spanish options.
Interpreting services in American Sign Language (ASL) or Spanish can be arranged if requested two weeks before any hearing by contacting Holly.bise@state.co.us.
