October 2021 PUC Updates

Clean Energy Action Board Member Marguerite Behringer works for E9 Insight and part of her work is to compile summaries of Colorado Public Utilities Commission activities. E9 Insight has given CEA permission to publish the items that we think our readers might find useful. If you have questions about the content, please contact hello@e9insight.com.

Note: Xcel Energy does business in Colorado as Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo).

Note: PUC refers to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Transportation Electrification: Electric Vehicles, Rates, and Programs

21AL-0494E Xcel Electric Vehicle Rates (TOU, CPP, DCFC)

On October 15, Xcel filed an application and testimony to modify its Secondary Voltage Electric Vehicle (EV) rate for commercial and industrial customers, to include a new Time-Of-Use (S-EV) rate and a re-named Critical Peak Pricing (S-EV-CPP) rate, in accordance with the settlement agreement in proceeding 19AL-0290E. Schedule EVC for charging company-owned Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations was also proposed with time-varying components. The application also proposed an equity performance incentive mechanism developed through a stakeholder process contemplated in proceeding 20A-0204E. The equity PIM was designed to reward Xcel for investing in transportation electrification in traditionally disadvantaged communities and emissions-burdened communities.

Schedules S-EV and S-EV-CPP were designed to be used for the purpose of EV charging or to be used at facilities that use hydrogen as a transportation fuel. The new Schedule S-EV utilizes time-of-use charges that are structured the same and the same distribution demand charge as Schedule S-EV-CPP but eliminates the critical peak pricing element.

 Business Models: Moneymaking, Programs, and Regional Impacts

20AL-0432E Xcel 2020 Phase II Rate Case

On October 14, the Colorado PUC granted the request by Colorado Solar and Storage Association and Solar Energy Industries Association (COSSA/SEIA) filed on September 22, 2021. COSSA/SEIA requested modification of Decision No. C21-0536, to allow participation in stakeholder meetings for the development of the Schedule SG-TOU pilot regardless of whether the participant was part of the rate case proceeding. COSSA/SEIA stated that broadening participation will ensure diverse perspectives and assist in an improved TOU program. The PUC agreed, and lifted stakeholder restrictions.