Colorado Public Utilities Commission Requests Public Comment on Xcel Energy’s Just Transition Solicitation   

Commissioners to hold three public comment hearings 

Denver ~  The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) invites community members to provide comments regarding Xcel Energy’s Just Transition Plan, Proceeding 24A-0442E. Xcel Energy filed for PUC approval of its 2024 “Just Transition Solicitation” (JTS) on Oct. 15, 2024. The JTS is Xcel Energy’s next Electric Resource Plan to address the acquisition of new utility resources to meet future electricity needs on its system. 

The primary objectives of the JTS include fulfilling resource adequacy and providing reliable service; continuing progress on emissions reductions; and, delivering a just transition in communities where generation assets are retiring. Xcel Energy’s Unit 3 coal-fired facility in Pueblo will retire no later than Jan. 1, 2031, and coal-fired facilities in Craig and Hayden are set to retire in 2027 and 2028.   

The Commission will hold a total of three public comment hearings. In person meetings will be held in Pueblo, on April 17, and Hayden, on May 1, and a third virtual-only public comment hearing will be held on April 28. The hearings are for local community members and other stakeholders to provide comments on the JTS proposal. The Commission will make no decisions or hold deliberations at these public comment hearings. 

“The PUC is hosting these meetings to hear directly the unique needs and perspectives of communities impacted by the retirement of these coal-fired facilities,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “Public input is a critical part of the Commission’s process to review Xcel Energy’s JTS proposal.”

More information on Xcel Energy’s Just Transition Plan, Proceeding 24A-0442E is available on the PUC website or visit https://puc.colorado.gov/key-proceedings. The Commission is expected to reach a final decision in August 2025.

Xcel Energy Just Transition Solicitation Public Comment Opportunities: 

Pueblo In Person Public Comment Hearings:

• Who: Local community members and PUC Commission
• When: 4 – 6 PM, Thursday, April 17
• Where: Hoag Recital Hall, CSU-Pueblo Campus, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo
• Services: Light refreshments and a children’s play area. ASL or Spanish interpretation services can be requested by contacting Holly Bise at 303-894-2024 or holly.bise@state.co.us by Thursday, April 3. 

Hayden In Person Public Comment Hearing: 

• Who: Local community members and PUC Commission
• When: 4 – 6 PM, Thursday, May 1  
• Where: Hayden Community Center, 495 W. Jefferson Ave., Hayden
• Services: Light refreshments and a children’s play area. ASL or Spanish interpretation services can be requested by contacting Holly Bise at 303-894-2024 or holly.bise@state.co.us by Thursday, April 17.

Virtual Public Comment Hearing:

• Who: All community members, stakeholders and PUC Commission
• When: 11 AM – 1 PM, Monday, April 28
• Services: ASL or Spanish interpretation services can be requested by contacting Holly Bise at 303-894-2024 or holly.bise@state.co.us by Monday, April 14.
• Register here

Other ways to submit public comment:

Public comments can be received anytime but are encouraged to be submitted by early July 2025. Comments should reference Proceeding Number 24A-0442EE and can be submitted by: 

• Submitting written comments through the Commission’s Electronic Filing System (E-Filings) Here
• Submitting written comments using the Commission’s online form
• Submitting through email at dora_puc_website@state.co.us
• Mailing comments to the Commission’s offices at: Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
• Calling (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options)

For more information on the Just Transition Solicitation, visit https://puc.colorado.gov/key-proceedings. 

About the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) 

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state. Learn more at https://puc.colorado.gov/