The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved up to 4,100 megawatts of new energy generation for Xcel Energy. The approval covers ten projects that include solar, storage, wind, and natural gas facilities. A final written decision is expected in the coming weeks.
The projects were considered through a special expedited process called Near Term Procurement (NTP), under Proceeding No. 21A-0141E. This process was created to take advantage of federal tax credits that are set to expire after Congress passed the H.R. 1 Act in 2025, which moved up expiration dates for renewable energy incentives.
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, several organizations including the Utility Consumer Advocate, Colorado Energy Office, and PUC staff joined with Xcel Energy to propose certain projects for accelerated review by the Commission. With today’s approval, about 3,200 MW worth of projects will move ahead immediately with another potential 600-900 MW possible in the future.
Three approved projects will be located in communities affected by planned closures of coal-fired power plants—so-called “just transition” areas—which aims to support regions impacted by changes in the energy sector.
This decision is part of ongoing efforts within Colorado state government to speed up clean energy development while maintaining reliable and affordable service.
More details about Proceeding No. 21A-0141E are available through E-Filings.
