NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES
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On Monday, Jan. 30, the PUC approved Public Service Company of Colorado’s (PSCo’s) application to reduce the gas cost adjustment (GCA) downward – resulting in a roughly 15% bill reduction for both residential and small commercial natural gas customers and more modest savings for other customers. The utility files GCA’s quarterly.
Gas cost adjustments reflect the commodity cost that’s passed onto customers based on the utility company’s purchase of fuel. Natural gas is an unregulated market, and the GCA is adjusted accordingly when commodity costs increase or decrease.
“I was really pleased to see this Application,” said PUC Chair Eric Blank. “I think a large number of utility customers are really struggling with high energy bills right now, and hopefully this 15 percent bill reduction starts to quickly provide meaningful relief.”
In response to written comments that have recorded high energy bills were creating substantial hardships for many customers, the Commissioners set Jan. 31 for a public comment hearing on affordability.
When:
The remote utility bill affordability public comment hearing is Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 3-6:30 p.m. The hearing will be held in two parts: from 3-4:30 p.m., with a half-hour break, and then resuming at 5 p.m.
To participate in the hearing:
Register for 3-4:30 p.m. here. A Zoom link will be sent with the registration.
Register for 5-6:30 p.m. here. A Zoom link will be sent with the registration.
View the webcast here.
The Utility Bill Affordability presentation is posted on the PUC website here.
The presentation included an analysis of the year-over-year bill changes for a typical utility customer, including a breakdown of the main drivers of bill increases, perspectives on the natural gas commodity market, and some expectations for the future. It also included information on where to access financial resources to help consumers including weatherization and income qualified assistance, as well as how to publicly engage with the PUC to make their voices heard.
Additional Comment Processes:
Public comments can be provided by:
- Submitting written comments here.
- Submitting through email at [email protected].
- Mailing comments to the Commission’s offices at: Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
- Calling (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options)
- To learn more about public participation opportunities with the PUC, please visit here
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