CO PUC Launches Inclusive Community Solar Rulemaking, Invites Public Input
Summary
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission announced a formal rulemaking to implement the Inclusive Community Solar (ICS) program, established by Senate Bill 24-207, which replaces the community solar garden program overseen since 2015. The PUC will host four pre-rulemaking engagement sessions between May and June 2026, including an ICS Learning Session, two utility-specific community input meetings (Xcel Energy and Black Hills Electric customers), and a pre-rulemaking workshop on ICS provisions. Once the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is issued this summer, stakeholders may submit formal comments in the Proceeding docket.
“Established by Senate Bill 24-207, the ICS program replaces the community solar garden program the PUC has overseen since 2015.”
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What changed
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is launching a formal rulemaking to implement the Inclusive Community Solar program created by Senate Bill 24-207. This replaces the existing community solar garden program that has been in place since 2015. Community solar allows utility customers to subscribe to portions of midsized solar arrays and receive bill credits for electricity generated on their behalf.
Electric utilities, community organizations, and customers in disproportionately impacted communities are directly affected. The PUC specifically invites participation from customers and organizations in Xcel Energy-served counties (Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Chaffee, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, Gilpin, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Mesa, Summit, and Weld) and Black Hills Electric-served counties (Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Otero, Pueblo, and Teller). Participation in pre-rulemaking sessions is voluntary but provides early opportunity to shape the scope of eventual ICS regulations.
Meeting
- Date
- 2026-05-12 at 16:00 – 18:00
- Location
- Virtual
Archived snapshot
Apr 27, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
PUC Announces Inclusive Community Solar Rulemaking this Summer, Invites Public Engagement
April 27, 2026 - The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will launch a formal rulemaking this summer to implement the state’s new Inclusive Community Solar (ICS) program. Starting in May, the PUC will host a series of pre-rulemaking engagement opportunities and invites electric utility customers, community organizations, and other interested parties to participate.
Established by Senate Bill 24-207, the ICS program replaces the community solar garden program the PUC has overseen since 2015. Community solar allows customers to subscribe to a portion of a midsized solar array and receive credits on their utility bill for the electricity generated on their behalf. As Commission Staff develops the proposed rules, customers and organizations—particularly those in disproportionately impacted communities—are invited to share what they would like to see addressed.
Upcoming Pre-Rulemaking Engagement Opportunities:
Ahead of the notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR), customers are invited to join Commission Staff at the following pre-rulemaking sessions to learn more about the program and share input with the Commission informally.
ICS Learning Session
- What: Interactive educational session on community solar geared toward disproportionately impacted community organizations and community members.
- When: Tuesday, May 12, 4PM –6PM
How: Register in advance for the Zoom meeting here
ICS Community Input Meeting for Xcel Energy CustomersWhat: Virtual forum to learn more about, and share feedback on, the planned rulemaking scope. Geared toward customers and organizations in the following counties served by Xcel Energy: Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Chaffee, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, Gilpin, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Mesa, Summit and Weld.
When: Tuesday, May 26, 4PM - 6PM
How: Register in advance for the Zoom meeting here
ICS Community Input Meeting for Black Hills CustomersWhat: Virtual forum to learn more about, and share feedback on, the planned rulemaking scope. Geared toward customers and organizations in the following counties served by Black Hills Electric: Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Otero, Pueblo and Teller.
When: Thursday, May 28, 4PM – 6PM
How: Register in advance for the Zoom meeting here
ICS Pre-Rulemaking WorkshopWhat: Interactive workshop to explore implementation of specific ICS provisions, such as capacity acquisition and Income Qualified (IQ) customer enrollment, into the Commission’s rules.
When: Tuesday, June 9, 1PM – 5PM
How: Register in advance for the Zoom meeting here
Formal Rulemaking
Once the NOPR is issued this summer, interested customers or organizations may submit formal comments in the Proceeding docket and participate in public workshops or hearings. Additional information about the formal Proceeding, including the rulemaking docket number, will be posted on the Commission’s website when available.
For More Information
- Visit the PUC’s Inclusive Community Solar webpage: https://puc.colorado.gov/inclusivecommunitysolar
- Send an email to dorapucinclusivecommunitysolar@state.co.us to receive updates on pre-rulemaking activities
- Take a survey and leave feedback on the Inclusive Community Solar Feedback online tool
- Interpreting services for ASL and Spanish are available upon request when received two weeks in advance of each session. Submit requests to Megan.Castle@state.co.us.
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