The Colorado Public Utilities Commission, which is accepting public comments on the Xcel Energy transition process for Hayden Station, will host a virtual hearing 5-7 p.m. Thursday to accept public input.

This virtual hearing is the last scheduled group public input session regarding the Hayden Station.

Participants who want to submit public comment during the Zoom meeting Thursday evening should register in advance online on the Public Utilities Commission website calendar at PUC.colorado.gov/puccalendar, or at PUC.colorado.gov/puc-home/energy-and-water/electric-resource-plans/clean-energy-plan.

The hearing relates to Xcel Energy’s Just Transition Solicitation, or Proceeding No. 24A-0442E, that Xcel filed in October for commission approval of its 2024 “Just Transition Solicitation.”

The solicitation is Xcel Energy’s next Electric Resource Plan to address the acquisition of new utility resources to meet future electricity needs on its system. An Electric Resource Plan is the process where an electric utility selects the mix of electricity generating resources that it will acquire to serve its customers.

The primary objectives of the solicitation include fulfilling resource adequacy and providing reliable service, continuing progress on emissions reductions and delivering a just transition in communities where generation assets are retiring. The coal-fired facilities in Craig and Hayden are set to retire in 2027 and 2028.  

The commission is expected to reach a final decision in August. For more information visit PUC.Colorado.gov.

Members of the public can also submit any time written comments, which should reference the proceeding number, using the commission’s online form or through email at dora_puc_website@state.co.us.

Comments also can be sent by U.S. mail to Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. The public also can leave a voice mail comment by calling 303-869-3490 to comment in English and Spanish.

The Public Utilities Commission serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental and social values of the state.