The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved up to 4,100 megawatts (MW) of new energy generation projects for Xcel Energy. The decision covers ten projects featuring a combination of solar, storage, wind, and natural gas resources. A final written decision from the PUC is expected in the coming weeks.
This approval comes through an expedited process known as Near Term Procurement (NTP), Proceeding No. 21A-0141E. The NTP was created to allow utilities to secure federal tax credits before they expire. In 2025, Congress passed the H.R. 1 Act, which set earlier expiration dates for these credits.
Rebecca White, Director of the Public Utilities Commission, said: “Today’s action locks in cost savings for Xcel customers as we work to replace aging coal plants and meet growing energy demand. 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 joined with Xcel Energy to propose projects for accelerated review. With this approval, 3,200 MW worth of projects will proceed immediately; an additional 600-900 MW may also move forward if conditions allow. Three of the approved projects will be located in communities affected by upcoming coal plant closures.
The approval aligns with broader state efforts aimed at streamlining clean energy project development to ensure reliable and affordable power supplies.
More information about Proceeding No. 21A-0141E is available through E-Filings.
