The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced a series of public comment, information, and engagement opportunities for August. The Commission is seeking input from community members on several ongoing proceedings and encourages participation through virtual hearings, written comments, and stakeholder meetings.
One major topic open for public input is Xcel Energy’s Mountain Energy Project Proposal (Proceeding No. 25A-0044EG). Filed on January 16, 2025, the proposal aims to address utility gas service needs in areas including Grand Lake, Granby, Winter Park, Dillon, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Leadville, and nearby communities. The project would impact about 33,500 Xcel Energy gas customers and includes plans for new compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities as well as customer energy efficiency improvements. Xcel Energy estimates the cost at $155 million. The PUC expects to make a final decision by November 2025.
Public comment on this project can be provided during a virtual hearing scheduled for Monday, August 4. Sessions will be held from 11 AM to noon and again from 6 PM to 7 PM.
Another opportunity for public engagement concerns proposed amendments to the Gas Pipeline Safety Rules (Proceeding No. 25R-0280GPS), focusing on advanced leak detection and repair. A public hearing led by an Administrative Law Judge will take place virtually on Tuesday, August 5 from 11:30 AM until 5 PM or until concluded. More details are available at https://puc.colorado.gov/puc-home/pipeline-safety-program/pipeline-safe….
The PUC’s 9-1-1 Services Enterprise Board will hold its regular biweekly meetings on Wednesdays—August 6 and August 20—from 3 PM to 4 PM.
In addition, the Commission is inviting feedback on proposed rules related to labor requirements for electric and gas utilities under Proceeding No. 24R-0559EG. This rulemaking responds to SB23-292 and seeks clarity around Best Value Employment Metrics (BVE Metrics), which cover workforce training access, competitive wages and benefits, use of in-state labor, among other factors. The rulemaking also addresses requirements for contractors working on certain energy sector infrastructure projects.
A virtual public comment hearing regarding these labor requirements is set for Tuesday, August 19 starting at 11 AM and ending no later than 5 PM.
Xcel Energy’s Distribution System Plan is also under review in consolidated Proceedings No. 24A-0547E and No. 25A-0061E. The plan covers distribution system investments from 2025 through 2029 with an estimated capital spending of $4.9 billion that would be recovered through a new bill rider called the “Grid Modernization Adjustment Clause.” It also includes non-wire alternative proposals and tariff changes related to undergrounding efforts in non-franchised areas.
As part of this proceeding, Xcel seeks approval to implement a Virtual Power Plant Program with planned spending of about $78.5 million over five years to acquire up to 25 MW of capacity per year via distributed energy resources connected to the grid.
A virtual public comment hearing for this matter will be held Tuesday, August 26 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Monthly Commission Hearings continue as usual every Wednesday at the PUC offices in Denver except holidays; formal meetings start at 9 AM with specific time set aside for public comment during the second weekly meeting each month—the next such opportunity falls on Wednesday July 9 at that time.
Members of the public may submit written comments referencing relevant proceeding numbers using the Commission’s online form or via email at dora_puc_website@state.co.us; mailed comments can be sent to Colorado Public Utilities Commission at their Denver office address; oral comments may be left by calling (303) 869-3490 with options available in English or Spanish.
Information about upcoming hearings—including registration links—can be found on the PUC Calendar at https://puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar. Requests for interpreting services in ASL or Spanish should be submitted two weeks ahead of each hearing by contacting Megan.Castle@state.co.us.
The PUC continues its practice of making all documents associated with these proceedings available through its e-filings search page.
