Following a lengthy discussion about the usefulness of hosting-capacity analysis (HCA) mapping and security concerns, the commission on Oct. 29 ordered Public Service Company of Colorado to publish its unblurred generation and load HCA maps for public access rather than gate the information behind a company-drafted nondisclosure agreement (NDA).

Advisory staff and multiple intervenors argued HCA data are essential for siting DERs, avoiding unnecessary grid upgrades, informing developers and customers and supporting distribution planning. Several parties (UCA, ACE, IREC, AEU and others) criticized the utility's custom NDA as onerous, pointing to unbounded liability clauses and restrictions that could chill legitimate use. The company defended the NDA and its broader security program, citing NIST-based cybersecurity standards and concerns for underground feeders and other sensitive infrastructure.

Commissioners said the balance of benefits favored public availability of the maps and noted the company had not substantiated why it should be treated differently than several other utilities that publish similar mapping. The commissioners directed publication of the unblurred generation map and the load map as publicly accessible datasets and included a footnote in the order stating that the company's draft NDA language presented in the proceeding was commercially unreasonable; staff and counsel will prepare appropriate public-access language.

The commission also directed that the company work with stakeholders on any required security practices that are technically feasible and commercially reasonable, rather than relying on the company's prior NDA language. Commissioners emphasized the need for timely, regular updates to the maps so developers and community planners can make informed decisions.

This decision changes how Public Service must provide hosting-capacity information. Parties and third parties can use the maps to assess siting, aggregation and project feasibility without signing the utility's prior NDA.