CPUC Staff Proposes $15M Revenue Decrease in PSCo Natural Gas Rate Case

summarizeSummary

Xcel Energy's subsidiary, Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), received intervenor testimony in its natural gas rate case, with CPUC Staff proposing a $15 million revenue decrease and the Utility Consumer Advocate proposing an $86 million increase, both significantly below PSCo's initial $190 million request.

check_boxKey Events

• Natural Gas Rate Case Update

  Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), an Xcel Energy subsidiary, received intervenor testimony in its Colorado natural gas rate case, which initially sought a $190 million revenue increase.

• CPUC Staff Proposal

  The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Staff proposed a $15 million decrease in revenue, along with an 8.50% return on equity (ROE) and a 52.5% equity ratio.

• Utility Consumer Advocate Proposal

  The Colorado Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) proposed an $86 million increase in revenue, with a 9.20% ROE and a 50.0% equity ratio.

• Regulatory Timeline

  Rebuttal testimony is due July 2, 2026, with a settlement deadline of July 8, 2026, and hearings scheduled for July 23-31, 2026. A final decision is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026.

auto_awesomeAnalysis

This filing provides an update on a critical natural gas rate case for Xcel Energy's subsidiary, PSCo. The proposals from regulatory staff and consumer advocates are substantially lower than the company's initial request for a $190 million revenue increase, with the CPUC Staff even suggesting a $15 million revenue decrease. This indicates a challenging regulatory environment and could negatively impact PSCo's future revenue and profitability if the final decision aligns with these lower proposals. The outcome, expected in Q4 2026, will be important for Xcel Energy's financial outlook.