Colorado PUC Highlights Consumer Protection Efforts

CO PUC News

Published March 4th, 2026

Detected March 5th, 2026

Summary

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued a notice highlighting its consumer protection efforts during National Consumer Protection Week. The PUC detailed its work in handling complaints, securing refunds for consumers, and enforcing regulations, particularly in the towing industry, noting significant consumer savings in 2024 and 2025.

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What changed

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued a notice on March 4, 2026, to coincide with National Consumer Protection Week, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding consumers of utilities and transportation services. The notice highlights the PUC's Consumer Affairs and investigation units, detailing their efforts in resolving complaints and securing financial restitution for consumers. In 2024, these efforts resulted in $167,512 in savings, and in 2025, nearly $549,113 was saved. The PUC also noted its role in implementing new consumer protection legislation, particularly concerning towing practices, and has facilitated hundreds of refunds totaling over $312,000 since 2022.

This notice serves as an informational update for consumers and regulated entities. While it does not introduce new regulations or compliance deadlines, it underscores the PUC's active role in oversight and enforcement. Companies operating under the PUC's purview, especially those in the towing industry, should be aware that their practices are subject to investigation, and non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, including refunds to consumers and potential fines. Consumers are encouraged to utilize the PUC's resources for assistance and to report issues.

Penalties

Enforcement actions can include refunds to consumers and/or fines issued to towing carriers.

Source document (simplified)

National Consumer Protection Week: Colorado Public Utilities Commission Helps to Protect Colorado Consumers

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Submitted by [user:fieldfirstname] The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is committed to protecting consumers to help ensure they receive safe, reliable and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental and social values of the state. While the PUC plays a critical role in keeping energy bills affordable, the Agency also has Consumer Affairs and investigation units that can look into complaints from individuals across the industries under the PUC’s purview.

“In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, the PUC wants Coloradans to know that our team is here to answer questions and to investigate complaints,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “Last year alone, the PUC’s consumer affairs and investigation teams saved consumers $581,776.”

The PUC website has been updated with information to help consumers to avoid issues and hire permitted and licensed carriers. If you have been towed, the PUC has created FAQs that assist consumers in retrieving their vehicles and understanding their rights.

The PUC Consumer Affairs unit takes complaints and questions about utilities and transportation issues. In 2024, the Consumer Affairs Unit took 9,511 calls, opened 2,948 cases and saved consumers $167,512. In 2025, the PUC’s Consumer Affairs Unit took nearly 7,100 calls, opened 2,723 cases and saved consumers $549,113.00.

The PUC Consumer Affairs and the Transportation units work together to respond to new legislation. Between 2021-2024, House Bills 21-1283, 22-1314, and 24-1051 significantly expanded consumer protections and towing carrier regulation. The PUC protects consumers from illegal towing practices under Colorado law. Each year, the PUC investigates more than a thousand towing-related complaints. Most of the cases involve nonconsensual tows.

Some cases may bring enforcement action, which can include refunds to consumers and/or fines issued to the towing carriers. In some instances, investigations may be referred to an Administrative Law Judge within the PUC. Since 2022, the PUC has helped towing customers save money by obtaining 518 refunds that totaled $312,951.

2022: 86 Refunds and $71,917
2023: 259 Refunds and $140,064
2024: 124 Refunds and $68,307
2025: 49 Refunds and $32,663 “‘National Consumer Protection Week’ is a great opportunity to inform consumers of the role of the PUC. Hearing from consumers allows us to look into complaints and secure refunds but also helps us see broader issues across industries,” said PUC Director Rebecca White.