Colorado Public Utilities Commission

Colorado and Minnesota regulators took opposing approaches to utility gas infrastructure spending. Colorado rejected Xcel Energy’s $567 million gas expansion plan, favoring cheaper electric alternatives, while Minnesota upheld line extension allowances (LEAs), allowing gas utilities to charge customers for new pipelines. Minnesota’s decision risks higher bills and delays clean energy transitions as gas use declines and electric options like heat pumps gain popularity.

Two Colorado taxi companies, Metro Capital Group and Ski Town Transportation, are challenging Waymo’s application for a state permit to operate autonomous taxi services in Denver. They argue Waymo seeks unfair regulatory exemptions that would allow it to compete without minimum fare requirements or driver-related costs, disrupting the existing market balance.

Xcel Energy proposes a $225 million electric rate increase to recover $4 billion in infrastructure upgrades, which could raise average monthly bills by $6.13. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is reviewing the proposal, with public comments accepted until Tuesday, and a decision expected by July. Residents like Denver resident Jaime Cowam express concern over the financial strain.

Black Hills Energy has proposed an 8.8% increase to electric base rates in Colorado, which would raise average monthly residential bills by $10.90. The proposal includes a $38 million customer refund from prior renewable energy funds and aims to update rates more regularly to reduce financial impact. The company cites grid improvements and a shift to a flat-rate billing structure as key components of the plan.