The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced a series of public comment and engagement opportunities for February. The PUC encourages participation from community members, stating that public perspectives are important for its decision-making process.
A new email address has been set up for submitting public comments: dora_puc_comments@state.co.us. When using this email, the relevant proceeding number should be included.
On January 28, a virtual public comment hearing will focus on proposed rules for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. PSPS is a wildfire mitigation strategy used by utility companies to reduce wildfire risks caused by downed power lines. The PUC welcomes input from all members of the public, regardless of their direct experience with shutoff events.
A Commissioners’ Information Meeting about PSPS will take place on February 2 and can be viewed on the PUC YouTube Channel. This meeting will include input from local governments and emergency management offices.
The monthly meeting of the PUC 9-1-1 Services Enterprise Board is scheduled for February 4 and will be held virtually.
On February 5, there will be a virtual public comment hearing regarding permanent rulemaking for wayside detector reporting in rail safety. The proposed rules require railroads with mainlines in Colorado to submit annual reports on their wayside detector systems, including details about system types, locations, spacing, and responses to issues detected. These rules also address how blocked crossings should be managed and what information must be reported if emergency access is affected.
February 9 features a hearing on amendments to gas and electric disconnection reporting requirements. The changes aim to lessen unnecessary reporting while improving data quality and supporting better regulatory oversight related to energy affordability and preventing disconnections.
The Commission’s regular monthly opportunity for general public comment is set for February 11 during its second weekly meeting of the month. These meetings are held virtually due to building construction and streamed live online. Comments at this session cannot address topics currently before the commission or specific pending proceedings.
On February 17, a virtual hearing will cover proposed equity rulemaking as required by SB21-272. The new rules seek to ensure that utility planning, rates, and programs consider impacts on different communities—especially those historically disadvantaged—and prioritize benefits accordingly.
A remote public comment hearing about rulemaking for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, is planned for February 23. Proposed amendments would increase penalties for imposter drivers who use another driver’s account improperly and may introduce information sharing between TNCs when such cases are found. The commission is also considering making refusal-of-service reports publicly available.
Written comments can also be submitted via an online form or mailed directly to the commission’s office at 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Oral comments may be left by phone in English or Spanish at (303) 869-3490. Additional details about hearings are available through the PUC Calendar.
Interpreting services in American Sign Language (ASL) or Spanish are available if requested two weeks before each hearing by contacting Megan.Castle@state.co.us.
“The PUC invites the public to provide public comment, participate in informational and stakeholder meetings, and engagement opportunities,” according to the announcement. “The PUC announces upcoming opportunities each month… All documents associated with these proceedings are available by using the search function on the Commission’s e-filings page.”
