CO HB1271

Authorizes investor-owned electric utilities to offer discounted economic development rates to qualifying commercial and industrial customers to help attract or retain businesses in Colorado.

Qualifying customers must add at least 3 megawatts of new electrical load at a single location and demonstrate that electricity costs and economic development rates are substantial factors in their decision to locate or expand in Colorado.

Economic development rates must be lower than standard tariff rates but not lower than the utility's marginal cost of providing service, with rates available for up to 10 years.

Utilities may negotiate individual rate agreements without commission approval for load additions up to 20 megawatts; larger additions require separate commission approval.

Utilities must prove that other customers do not subsidize economic development rates and that no rate increases occur for other customers; provisions expire January 1, 2028.