Colorado utilities must assess transmission upgrades in long-term plans

Colorado utility regulators must revise planning rules to require utilities to assess equipment and software that improve electricity transmission. The assessments belong in utilities' ten-year transmission plans and cover tools such as improved wires, power-routing equipment, and energy storage. Utilities must assess whether upgrades can work and, when they can, compare costs and give a possible installation schedule. Utilities must explain with supporting studies why they leave out options found more cost-effective for meeting the listed grid needs. Regulators may accept regional studies that address these requirements. Joining regional planning alone does not satisfy them. Identifying a wildfire benefit does not trigger a separate approval process; regulators may consider it in later wildfire or project reviews. The law takes effect the day after the 90-day period following legislative adjournment: August 12, 2026, if adjournment was May 13. A timely referendum petition delays challenged provisions until voters approve them in November 2026 and the governor officially declares the vote.

Utility regulators must require utilities with state-regulated rates to identify ways to reduce construction costs and secure adequate financing. The requirement applies to projects identified in the ten-year transmission plans of utilities whose rates Colorado's utility commission regulates. Utilities must consider bonds issued by the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority after evaluating whether they apply. A utility identifying or evaluating those bonds as a cost-saving strategy must consult the authority before filing its plan.

Covered energy public works projects using advanced transmission technologies must follow required local wage rates and rules for using apprentices. The listed category includes transmission projects costing at least $1 million. Cost alone does not establish coverage. Projects must also meet the law's other criteria for energy public works projects. State public works rules do not apply to these technology projects when they require no utility line construction by a qualified lineworker or properly supervised apprentice.

The Colorado Electric Transmission Authority must coordinate with formal regional planning groups where practical and report its work to lawmakers each year. Coordination covers formal planning groups serving parts of a region. Reports to legislative energy committees cover finances for the previous state budget year and activities and accomplishments for the previous calendar year. The utility commission's director or a chosen representative serves on the ten-member board without a vote. The authority's annual report is due by January 31 each year.