Public Utilities Commission of Colorado Schedules Public Comment Hearings for Demand Side Management and Beneficial Electrification Plan

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utilities Commission of Colorado has issued a decision, scheduling two public comment hearings on the Demand Side Management and Beneficial Electrification Strategic Issues Application filed by Public Service Company of Colorado. The hearings aim to provide an opportunity for members of the public to provide oral comments on the application, which seeks Commission approval for a number of strategic issues relating to its electric and gas demand side management and beneficial electrification plan. The application was filed on July 1, 2022, and the Commission has deemed it complete, setting the matter for hearing before the Commission en banc.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two public comment hearings are scheduled to take place on January 18, 2023: an in-person public comment hearing from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and a remote public comment hearing from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • The hearings will be held in the Colorado Public Utilities Commission Hearing Room A and by video conference using Zoom, respectively.
  • Members of the public can attend the in-person hearing but not participate remotely, while the remote hearing will be observed through the webcast on the Commission's website.
  • Public comments can be provided by submitting written comments through the Commission's Electronic Filing System, mailing comments to the Commission's offices, or calling to leave oral comments.
  • Accommodations for foreign language users and persons with disabilities will be provided upon receipt of a reasonable accommodation request at least one week prior to the event.
  • Simultaneous Spanish interpreting will be provided during the in-person public comment hearing on January 18, 2023.
  • Written public comments can be filed at any time in the proceeding and will be afforded the same weight as oral comments.
  • Parties to the Proceeding and their representatives are not permitted to present comments, and individuals may present comments on their own behalf.
  • The Commission will publicize the public comment hearings by press release, announce them on its public calendar, and make them known by other avenues to the extent resources are available.
  • Interested persons can participate in the Commission's pre-rulemaking process regarding the implementation of Senate Bill 21-272.

Statistics:

  • The hearings will be transcribed live by a court reporter to create a written record of the comments received.
  • Commenters are expected to give their full name and spell it before providing their comments.
  • Time limits for comments will range from one to three minutes per commenter.
  • The Commission aims to accommodate all members of the public at its hearings and meetings, providing services for foreign language users and persons with disabilities.

Sources:

  • Decision No. C22-0700-I, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, November 8, 2022
  • Decision No. C22-0548-I, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, September 16, 2022
  • Senate Bill 21-272, Colorado General Assembly, 2021
  • Senate Bill 21-246, Colorado General Assembly, 2021