Bill > HB1126

This bill increases the membership of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 3 to 5 commissioners, with a planned implementation date of July 1, 2026. The new structure will include five commissioners appointed by the governor with senate consent: three commissioners will represent specific geographic regions of Colorado, and two will represent the state at large. The three geographic regions are defined as the Denver Metro Region (including counties like Adams, Arapahoe, and Boulder, plus Denver and Broomfield), the Western Region (covering counties like Jackson, Chaffee, and Mesa), and the Eastern Region (including counties such as Huerfano, Pueblo, and El Paso). The bill maintains existing provisions that no more than three commissioners can be from the same political party, and each commissioner must be a qualified elector of Colorado. Commissioners will continue to be full-time, with the governor designating one as chair. The bill includes a standard provision allowing for potential referendum, meaning it could be subject to voter approval in the November 2026 general election if a petition is filed.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1126