Summary
Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) subsidiary, Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), has reached a non-unanimous settlement agreement regarding its December 2025 natural gas rate case. Initially seeking a $190 million revenue increase, the settlement proposes a more modest $123 million increase. This represents a 7.5% total increase, averaging 3.7% annually since the last rate adjustment. The settlement also includes a reduced Return on Equity (ROE) of 9.2%, down from the initially requested 10.75%, and an equity ratio of 54.5%. While several parties have not opposed or taken no position on the agreement, one transportation shipper has expressed opposition. A final decision from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the implementation of new rates are anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026, following scheduled hearings in July 2026.
Key Highlights
- 1PSCo reached a settlement agreement on its natural gas rate case, reducing the requested revenue increase from $190 million to $123 million.
- 2The settlement proposes a 7.5% total revenue increase for PSCo, averaging 3.7% annually since the last rate case.
- 3The agreed-upon Return on Equity (ROE) is 9.2%, a decrease from the 10.75% initially sought.
- 4The equity ratio in the settlement is set at 54.5%.
- 5The agreement is non-unanimous, with one transportation shipper opposing it.
- 6A final decision from the CPUC is expected in Q4 2026, with rate implementation to follow.
- 7The settlement utilizes a 2025 historic test year with forward-looking adjustments.