Speak up against corporate greed and skyrocketing gas bills.
Public Utilities Commission PUBLIC Hearing on Xcel's Future Gas Plans
January 20th, 5 - 6:30 PM
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If you’ve never heard of Xcel Energy’s Gas Infrastructure Plan, you’re not alone. At first glance, it doesn’t sound all that interesting. I get it. But stick with me, because this plan will decide:
- How much new fossil gas infrastructure Xcel builds
- How long Colorado stays hooked on fossil fuels
- How much we’ll all be stuck paying for it, and
- Whether Xcel will actually help communities electrify and weatherize
Every day, Xcel pumps polluting fossil gas into the homes and businesses of 1.5 million customers in Colorado. That system may have worked in the past, but the time has come to transition toward a smarter, all-electric system that saves money long-term and future-proofs our grid as the world moves away from polluting fossil fuels. Makes sense, right? So why isn’t Xcel already planning to do this?
Well, first things first. If you didn't already know, Xcel is an Investor-Owned Utility (IOU), which means profits, not people, drive their plans. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is intended to be the space where customers (i.e., you!) can voice their concerns and advocate for a clean energy future.
Unfortunately, Xcel’s corporate lawyers are also at the PUC, pushing for projects that keep profits high and accountability low. The “regulated” part of "regulated monopoly" is somewhat of a misnomer, especially if the public doesn’t participate in proceedings like Xcel's Gas Infrastructure Plan (GIP).
Xcel's (GIP) and What We're Fighting For:
| The GIP is a long-term blueprint outlining how the company plans to spend billions of ratepayer dollars on gas infrastructure. If we don't cause a stink, Xcel will spend YOUR monthly bill to pay for new pipelines, upgrades, and fossil fuel infrastructure that could soon be obsolete. Every new mile of pipeline locks Colorado into decades of pollution, debt, and dependence. The PUC will be the final decider on whether to approve, reject, or modify these investments; they can require stronger protections for both ratepayers and the climate. | PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING |
One of the arguments Xcel is making to the PUC is that these proposed gas investments are simply a response to “customer demand.” But how can customers make an informed choice when Xcel refuses to tell them they have one? Has Xcel ever told you about incentives to switch off gas, or how electrifying your home could help avoid new pipelines and meet Colorado’s climate goals?
Xcel needs to prioritize non-pipeline alternatives (NPAs), such as electrification, geothermal networks, and energy efficiency, and make sure these options are accessible to all customers. NPA’s avoid outdated gas infrastructure and can save ratepayers real money. Transitioning toward cleaner energy isn't just the right moral choice; it's the law. Xcel is mandated by state law to reduce emissions from its gas system by 22% by 2030 (below 2015 levels) and 41% by 2035, ultimately achieving 100% carbon-free energy by 2050. Those goals are impossible if the company continues to expand its pipelines and add fossil gas customers.
When the PUC finally approves Xcel's GIP, gas bills could very well go up to cover the cost of 1) The gas infrastructure itself; and 2) The guaranteed profit Xcel is allowed to earn when it builds such infrastructure.
This is one of our best opportunities to push back against corporate greed and a dirty, dangerous future.
Here is what we are advocating for:
- Stop expanding a gas system we don't need with ratepayers' hard-earned money.
- Prioritize non-pipe alternatives. Invest in electrification and geothermal instead of new pipelines.
- Be transparent with customers. Share information about clean heat options and incentives without obstructions or a confusing process.
- Align with clean heat targets. Plan actually to meet the state’s 2030 climate goals.
- Engage communities. Include local governments and ratepayers in planning decisions.
How You Can Help:
- Give a verbal comment at the public hearing on January 20. Register HERE.
- If you can't attend the hearing, submit a written comment to the PUC:
- Email dora_puc_website@state.co.us with the subject line “Public Comment for Docket Number 25A-0220G.”
- Reach out to sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org with questions or support needs!
The Gas Infrastructure Plan sounds... boring. But, your wallet will thank you for paying attention. So will the planet. Every comment, every bit of pressure helps push Colorado further from corporate greed and closer to a clean, affordable energy future. What do you have to lose - besides higher bills and dirtier air?