Colorado regulators consider income-based utility payment-plan rules

Two Colorado Public Utilities Commission commissioners voiced support Oct. 21 for staff proposals to standardize income-based utility payment plans and require monthly reporting on shutoffs. The proposals could change how investor-owned utilities offer the plans and give regulators more regular data on disconnections.

The commissioners’ comments did not formally open a rulemaking. Staff recommended that the commission issue a notice of proposed rulemaking and send the matter to an administrative law judge. As of Oct. 22, the PUC’s rulemaking listing described the proposal as in pre-rulemaking, awaiting a commission decision.

The proposed rules would address percentage-of-income payment plans, or PIP plans, for income-qualified customers of investor-owned utilities. State law already requires those utilities to offer PIP plans. Staff described draft changes intended to make applications easier, improve customer information and communications, and lower income-percentage thresholds for the largest utilities. The draft also proposed allowing direct applications and referrals, accepting categorical eligibility or self-attestation for income verification, and requiring a decision within 30 days with written notice explaining an approval or denial. These are proposed details, not newly adopted protections. The 2026 law establishing the PIP requirement is separate from the commission’s pending decision on rulemaking.

The reporting proposal would require monthly submissions on residential accounts, bills and collections, late charges, arrears, disconnection notices and shutoffs for nonpayment, restorations, and disconnection duration. It would also track how many participants in assistance programs were disconnected for late payment. Staff said the data would help the commission oversee billing, arrears and utility credit-and-collection practices.

The proposal concerns investor-owned utilities’ payment plans and statewide reporting, not a new general bill-relief fund or a change limited to Xcel Energy. It is also separate from other disconnection-reporting amendments adopted in proceeding 25R-0519EG, which the PUC lists as effective June 14, 2026.

If commissioners decide to open the rulemaking, the next step would be publication of a notice with proposed rules and information about a hearing and public comment. The PUC’s rulemaking process guidance says the initial hearing is scheduled at least 20 days after the notice is published. No PIP-specific hearing date or comment deadline has been announced.