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CO HB1081

CO HB1081
Optimize Colorado Electric Transmission System


summary

Introduced
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Section 3 of the bill defines "advanced transmission technologies" as hardware or software technologies that increase the capacity, efficiency, reliability, or resiliency of an existing or new transmission facility. Section 4 requires the Colorado public utilities commission (commission) to adopt rules requiring a regulated electric utility to consider advanced transmission technologies in the electric utility's 10-year transmission plan and to identify strategies to reduce the costs of new transmission. Section 5 requires the Colorado electric transmission authority (authority) to, as much as practicable, engage and coordinate with formal subregional transmission planning organizations. Under current law, the authority is required to annually submit a report of its activities, including a complete operating and financial statement covering the operations of the authority for the previous state fiscal year, to certain committees of reference of the general assembly. Section 6 requires that the annual report also include a description of the activities and accomplishments of the authority during the previous calendar year. Section 7 adds a nonvoting seat to the authority's board of directors for the director of the commission or the director's designee.

AI Summary

This bill, titled the "Colorado Grid Optimization Act," aims to improve Colorado's electric transmission system by requiring regulated electric utilities to consider "advanced transmission technologies" in their 10-year transmission plans. Advanced transmission technologies are defined as hardware or software that enhance the capacity, efficiency, reliability, or resilience of transmission facilities, including advanced conductors and grid-enhancing technologies like dynamic line ratings and energy storage when used for transmission. The bill also mandates that utilities identify strategies to reduce the costs of new transmission projects and secure financing, potentially by using bonds issued by the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority. Furthermore, the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority is required to coordinate more closely with formal subregional transmission planning organizations and will now include a nonvoting seat on its board for the director of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission or their designee, while also expanding the content of its annual report to include activities from the previous calendar year.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

House Committee on Energy & Environment Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole (on 02/26/2026)

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