The Colorado Public Utilities Commission convened a public comment hearing on July 9, 2024, to discuss the Black Hills clean heat plan application, although no participants were present to provide comments. Administrative Law Judge Alenka Hahn opened the session remotely via Zoom, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in the review process of Black Hills Colorado Gas Inc.'s proposed clean heat plan for 2024 through 2028.

This hearing is part of a regulatory requirement stemming from Senate Bill 21-264, passed by the Colorado General Assembly in 2021, which mandates gas distribution companies to submit clean heat plans aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation sets ambitious targets, requiring a 4% reduction in emissions by 2025 and a 22% reduction by 2030, using 2015 levels as a baseline.

Black Hills' clean heat plan proposes a preferred strategy that aims for a 5% reduction in emissions by 2025, accounting for anticipated growth, and an 11% reduction by 2030. Excluding growth from the calculations, the targets rise significantly to 44% by 2025 and 28% by 2030. The estimated costs for implementing this plan are projected to increase from $5.4 million in 2025 to $6.3 million by 2030. Additionally, the plan includes provisions to prioritize support for disproportionately impacted communities and income-qualified customers, ensuring equitable access to clean energy initiatives.

The commission's rules require gas utilities to file their clean heat plans by January 1, 2024, and Black Hills initiated this proceeding to comply with those regulations. The hearing was designed to facilitate public input, although the absence of participants highlights potential challenges in engaging the community on this critical environmental issue.