September 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.
Business Models: Moneymaking, Programs, and Regional Impacts
20AL-0432E Xcel 2020 Phase II Rate Case
On September 8, the Colorado PUC issued an interim commission decision establishing procedures for presentations and exhibits. Following submission of various exhibits, the PUC established three public comment hearings prior to the Phase I evidentiary hearing beginning on December 6. Public comment hearings were established for October 13, 2021, at the Ft. Morgan Fieldhouse Multi-Purpose Room; for October 26, 2021, at the Moffat County High School in Craig; and for October 28, 2021, at the El Pueblo History Museum – the Atrium. Each of these three public comment hearings will be held in-person, and each will run from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or until concluded by the Commission. A remote public comment hearing was also established for December 2, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM using this Zoom link or by calling +1 (346) 248-7799, using the meeting ID 834 7935 7567 and passcode 652541.
21AL-0317E Xcel 2022 Rate Case
On September 9, the Colorado PUC established a procedural schedule, outlining various hearings, testimony dates, and other events. Settlements are due in December 2021. Remote evidentiary hearings were established for January 11 through 14 and January 18 through 2021.
Distribution: Technology for Energy Delivery
20R-0516E Proposed Rules for Distribution System Planning
On September 7, the Colorado PUC adopted revised rules governing Distribution System Planning (DSP), which will guide the filing of regular reports that examine the entire grid and potential opportunities for improvement. DSPs were designed to enable the safe and timely interconnection of DERs and should optimize the use of new resources, non-wires alternatives, emerging grid technologies. Xcel filed an application for rehearing, reargument or reconsideration of the rules for various reasons. Xcel’s suggestions included reinstating one rule which would allow the company flexibility to advance projects that enable economic development, transportation electrification, and beneficial electrification; modifying a rule that would improve the interconnection process, modeled after a proposal developed with the Colorado Solar & Storage Association and Solar Energy Industries Association; and other changes.
19M-0495E Colorado Transmission Coordination Act
On September 27, the Colorado PUC filed information on a new DOE report: “Exploring Western Organized Market Configurations: A Western States’ Study of Coordinated Market Options to Advance State Energy Policies (the State Market Study).” The report identified up to $2 billion in benefits from a western Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) in 2030, although the finding did not include ongoing costs to operate an RTO. The study included representatives from all eleven potential member states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.