Posted inBusiness, Climate, Energy, News, Politics and Government

Xcel Energy cleared to collect $500 million from Coloradans for storm, but regulators say it can’t happen again

The Colorado Utilities Public Commission on Wednesday gave Xcel Energy the go-ahead to collect a half billion dollars from its customers to cover the spiraling costs of natural gas during a winter cold snap in 2021 — but the commissioners weren’t happy about it. The commission lopped an $8 million penalty off the $509 million […]

Posted inBusiness, Economy, Energy, Equity, News

Xcel Energy to raise residential electric bills by 6.4% in April, two more rate increases loom

The average electric bill for Xcel Energy’s residential customers will go up $5.24 a month — a 6.4% increase — starting in April under a $182 million rate hike approved Wednesday by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. The PUC voted 3-0 to accept the increase, which was agreed upon in rate-case negotiations that included the […]

Posted inBusiness, Climate, Economy, Energy, Environment, News

Coloradans starting to see double-digit hikes in their gas utility bills

Colorado consumers are seeing double-digit jumps in their gas utility bills this fall as providers pass on the cost of steep natural gas inflation, and the Public Utilities Commission and consumer advocates warn that a “stack” of other add-on charges are too much for customers. Rising gas charges will push the average Xcel consumer’s cost […]

Posted inBusiness, Climate, Energy, Environment, News

After collecting $610 million from Colorado customers, regulators say it’s time to end Xcel’s pipeline repair fee

What was supposed to be a quick way to raise money to address pipeline safety issues, a little add-on of about $3 a month for the average household, has lingered on Xcel Energy natural gas bills for a decade – but it may finally end. Xcel has since 2011 raised nearly $610 million, or three […]

Posted inClimate, Economy, Energy, Environment, News

Colorado consumer advocates ask utility commission to reject $130M of Xcel’s February storm surcharge

Xcel Energy ignored numerous weather warnings when buying natural gas and failed to switch to cheaper fuel oil during the historic deep freeze in mid-February, leaving the utility helpless as spot prices spiked to 50 times base costs, according to new expert objections to proposed consumer surcharges. The state consumer advocate and the Public Utilities […]