The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved up to 4,100 megawatts of new energy generation for Xcel Energy. The projects, which include solar, storage, wind, and natural gas facilities, are part of an expedited process called Near Term Procurement (NTP), under Proceeding No. 21A-0141E. This process was established to allow developers to benefit from federal tax credits that will soon expire.
In 2025, Congress passed the H.R. 1 Act, setting earlier expiration dates for renewable energy project tax credits. As a result, the PUC moved quickly to review and approve these projects.
“Today’s action locks in cost savings for Xcel customers as we work to replace aging coal plants and meet growing energy demand,” said Rebecca White, Director of the Public Utilities Commission. “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 Xcel Energy in recommending certain projects for fast-tracked approval by the Commission. With today’s decision, 3,200 megawatts in projects will move forward immediately with another 600-900 megawatts possible at a later stage.
Three of the approved projects will be located in communities affected by planned closures of coal-fired power plants. These areas are known as “just transition” communities because they are adjusting to changes brought by moving away from coal-based energy.
The Commission’s approval is part of broader state efforts aimed at streamlining clean energy development so that reliable and affordable power remains available across Colorado.
More information about Proceeding No. 21A-0141E can be found through E-Filings on the PUC website at https://puc.colorado.gov.
