Public Utilities Commission Approves Alternative Notice for Gas Rate Case in Colorado

Strategic Insights -

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has granted Public Service Company of Colorado's request for alternative notice for its proposed gas rate case, which is set to become effective on February 29, 2024. The Commission found that Public Service's proposed notice would provide sufficient information to the general public and would be more efficient than the traditional statutory notice method. The alternative notice includes publishing a legal notice in The Denver Post, posting a copy of the filing on the Company's website, mailing a bill insert to customers, and providing email notifications to those who have opted in.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Utilities Commission of Colorado approved Public Service Company of Colorado's Motion for Approval of Alternative Form of Notice on February 7, 2024.
  • The Commission found that Public Service's proposed alternative notice would provide sufficient information to the general public and would be more efficient than the traditional statutory notice method.
  • The alternative notice includes publishing a legal notice in The Denver Post, posting a copy of the filing on the Company's website, mailing a bill insert to customers, and providing email notifications to those who have opted in.
  • Public Service Company of Colorado estimated that approximately 1.5 million Colorado natural gas customers would be served by the alternative notice.
  • The proposed alternative notice was deemed to be sufficient to alert affected customers and interested parties of the changes proposed by the Company's filing in a timely fashion.
  • The decision was adopted at the Commissioners' Weekly Meeting on February 7, 2024.

Statistics:

  • 1.5 million: estimated number of Colorado natural gas customers served by the alternative notice
  • 2 weeks: duration of the noticing period for the proposed gas rate case
  • 5 weeks: duration of the mailing period for the bill insert
  • $40-3-104(1)(c)(I)(E), C.R.S., and 4 CCR 723-1-1207(b) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure: relevant statutes and regulations for alternative notice

Sources:

  • Decision No. C24-0087-I, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado
  • Advice Letter No. 1029 - Gas, Public Service Company of Colorado
  • Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 40-3-104(1)(a)
  • 4 Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR) 723-1, Temporary Rule 4109(f) of the Rules Regulating Gas Utilities
  • Temporary Rule 1207(b), 4 CCR 723-1, of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure