Colorado’s largest utility filed for major increases in both electric and natural gas rates within weeks of each other, a move that could add roughly $17 a month to the average household bill serving both services.

Xcel Energy submitted a natural gas rate case to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission on Dec. 29, 2025, seeking $190 million in additional annual revenue — an 11.4% jump that would raise average residential gas bills by $7.59 a month.

That follows a November filing for a $356 million electric rate boost, adding about $9.94 monthly bill for residential electric customers.

If regulators approve both as requested, the combined hit for dual-service households would be around $17.53 a month, with increases likely taking effect in August 2026 for electric and October for gas.

Xcel officials said the requests are essential for safety and reliability.

In letters accompanying both filings, Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy-Colorado, highlighted investments in pipeline inspections, infrastructure rebuilds, regulator station overhauls, grid modernization, and wildfire mitigation.

Xcel said that, even with the proposed hikes, its Colorado rates remain below national and regional averages, according to the utility’s rate review materials.

Xcel is also proposing separate $5 million shareholder-funded contributions to its Electric Affordability Program and Gas Affordability Program, plus program changes, such as increased bill credits and expanded disconnection protections for income-qualified customers.

The back-to-back filings have drawn scrutiny over timing and cumulative burden, with the gas request landing just days after Christmas.

The utility commission opened proceedings for both cases, with public comment periods underway and decisions expected in the third quarter of 2026.

Consumer advocates and some commissioners have raised affordability concerns amid Xcel’s multi-billion-dollar capital spending plans. The utility projects $22 billion in spending in Colorado over the next five years, much of it tied to “clean” energy transitions and grid hardening.

Xcel serves 1.6 million electric customers and 1.5 million gas customers in Colorado.

The commission typically schedules one or more public comment hearings during the review process for major rate cases. Both proceedings are in early stages — electric opened in late November 2025, gas in late December — and the hearings are expected later in 2026.

Public comment periods are currently open for both cases. Customers can submit written or verbal comments anytime via:

• Online form: puc.colorado.gov/comments (reference the proceeding number).

• Email: [email protected].

• Phone: (303) 869-3490 (leave a message).

• Mail: Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202.

The publican can also check the PUC calendar at puc.colorado.gov/puccalendar or e-filings system for updates. Hearings will be posted there once set.