Public comments at PUC hearing urge renewables, oppose Xcel funds and nuclear proposals in Comanche transition

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission held a public comment hearing on June 5, 2025, in proceeding 24AD-0442E on Public Service Company of Colorado's just transition solicitation plan (JTS). Commissioners and staff heard roughly two hours of remarks from city officials, residents, community groups, unions and industry representatives about how to replace electricity now produced at Comanche and other retiring coal units.

Megan Tessel, communications director for the commission, summarized the filing: "Public service is seeking approval of its 2024 just transition solicitation plan or the JTS, which was filed 10/15/2024. It has the PUC proceeding number 24ADash0442E." She reminded listeners that Unit 3 at the Pueblo coal plant is scheduled to retire "no later than 01/01/2031" and that the filing proposes community assistance payments and other transition measures.

Why it matters: the JTS will help determine what resources replace retiring coal generation, what costs go to ratepayers, and what support communities such as Pueblo, Routt County (Hayden) and Morgan County receive. Dozens of commenters said the commission should prioritize renewable energy and storage, reject new gas or nuclear options, and deny what they called utility “slush funds.”

Public comments and themes

- Opposition to nuclear and new gas: Multiple speakers urged the commission not to replace coal with nuclear or new natural‑gas generation. Patty Durand, who testified from Georgia about the Plant Vogtle experience, warned: "Do not…