The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has started a formal review of Xcel Energy’s proposed electric rate increase, filed on November 21, 2025. The case is listed as Proceeding No. 25AL-0494E and will begin in December once a schedule is determined.
The PUC has outlined that the process for evaluating this rate case will be comprehensive, involving close examination of all aspects of Xcel Energy’s request. Multiple stakeholders are expected to participate formally in the proceeding, which operates similarly to a court hearing. The review will also include input from the PUC’s staff, including economists, engineers, and accountants. Additionally, public comment hearings will be held to allow community members to voice their opinions.
According to the PUC, “Anyone can provide public comment online this case at the PUC website.” Other methods for submitting comments include email at dora_puc_website@state.co.us, mailing written comments to the commission’s Denver office at 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, or calling (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments in English or Spanish.
More details about this rate case and future updates will be available on the Key Issues/Electric Rate Case section of the PUC website at Electric Rate Cases | Public Utilities Commission.
The Commission explained its regulatory role by stating: “The Public Utilities Commission is an administrative agency of the legislature charged with the authority and duty to regulate the rates of public utilities operating within Colorado. State statute gives the Commission the power to regulate all the rates, charges, and tariffs of every public utility in Colorado. As codified in state law, the rates and charges assessed for public utility service must be ‘just and reasonable.’”
The PUC oversees electric rates for two major investor-owned utilities in Colorado: Xcel Energy and Black Hills Electric. These companies must obtain approval from the commission before changing customer rates. Rate cases such as this are typically initiated by utilities seeking to recover costs related to recent investments made over specific periods for purposes like maintaining safety and reliability within their systems.
