The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is reviewing proposals to strengthen the state’s 911 emergency communications system, while advancing several major utility rate cases that could raise monthly bills for electric and natural gas customers later this year.

Lumen Technologies filed its 2026 Basic Emergency Service Improvement Plan on April 3 in Proceeding No. 26A-0140T. The application proposes infrastructure modernizations and adds network redundancy to ensure emergency calls reach dispatchers during outages or natural disasters. The company is seeking commission approval for cost-recovery mechanisms tied to the upgrades.

The PUC is conducting a formal review of the plan and associated costs, with 911 system reliability remaining a priority.

Xcel rate cases advance

Xcel Energy’s electric rate case, Proceeding No. 25AL-0494E, seeks a $356 million annual revenue increase. If approved as filed, the request would raise average residential bills by about 9.9%, or roughly $9.94 per month, starting in August 2026. Small business bills would increase 9.48%. Parties have until May 28 to submit proposed settlements. A final decision is expected in the third quarter of 2026.

A second remote public comment hearing is scheduled for June 16.

In the companion natural gas rate case,Proceeding No. 25AL-0538G, Xcel seeks a net $190 million annual revenue increase to support pipeline safety, modernization, leak detection and reliability improvements. Residential bills would rise about 11.4%, or $7.59 monthly, starting in October 2026 if approved. A decision is also anticipated in the third quarter.

Transmission line approvals granted

The PUC granted Xcel Energy authorization to construct portions of the Colorado Power Pathway 345-kilovolt transmission project through Elbert and El Paso counties following local siting appeals. In Elbert County (Proceeding No. 25A-0354E) and El Paso County (Proceeding No. 25A-0355E), the commission denied county requests for reconsideration.

The 550-mile project aims to connect customers with new electric generation resources across northeastern, eastern and southeastern Colorado.

PUC reauthorization moves forward

The state legislature passed House Bill 26-1326 on May 13, reauthorizing the PUC through 2037. The bill, which awaits the governor’s signature, includes updates to improve oversight and efficiency, new safety rules for rideshare companies, streamlined clean energy processes and provisions allowing third-party administration of certain customer programs.

Consumer alerts issued

The PUC reminded residents, particularly college students and their families, to hire only permitted household goods movers with valid Colorado PUC “HHG” permit numbers and written contracts to avoid fraud and uninsured losses. Unpermitted movers can result in theft or damage with no recourse for withheld property, the agency said.

Xcel Energy customers should also prepare for summer-time-of-use rates, which take effect June 1 through Sept. 30. On-peak pricing from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. will be 21.277 cents per kilowatt-hour, with off-peak at 7.884 cents. Non-summer rates remain lower.

In memoriam

The commission noted the unexpected death of former External Affairs Manager Terry Bote at age 71. Bote served the PUC for 29 years before retiring. He joined the agency in 1992 and was recognized for his professionalism and clear communication.