A remote public comment hearing was held to discuss the clean heat plan proposed by Black Hills Colorado Gas Inc., a utility provider regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. The hearing, conducted via Zoom, aimed to gather public feedback on the company's plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas services in Colorado.

Black Hills initiated this process on December 29, 2023, by filing an application for its 2024-2028 clean heat plan, in compliance with Senate Bill 21-264. This legislation mandates local gas distribution companies to develop clean heat plans aimed at reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions. The bill sets ambitious targets, requiring a 4% reduction in emissions by 2025 and a 22% reduction by 2030, using 2015 levels as a baseline.

The clean heat plan proposed by Black Hills includes a \"Clean Heat Preferred Plan,\" which aims for a 5% reduction in emissions by 2025, accounting for anticipated growth. Without this growth factor, the company projects a more significant reduction of 44% by 2025 and 28% by 2030. The estimated cost for implementing this plan has risen from $5.4 million in 2025 to $6.3 million by 2030.

The hearing was designed to facilitate public participation and ensure transparency in the regulatory process, with a court reporter documenting the proceedings. The commission will consider the feedback received as it reviews Black Hills' clean heat plan, which is a critical step in Colorado's efforts to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals.