CO HB1428

Authorizes investor-owned utilities to enter into energy and innovation collaboration agreements with eligible communities (cities, counties, towns, or city and counties) in their service territories to achieve community energy goals.

Requires joint utility and community submission of agreements to the Public Utilities Commission for approval, which must ensure safe and reliable service is maintained and that the utility's costs are paid by the community, not other customers.

Allows agreements to include provisions promoting innovation, economic development, increased use of eligible energy resources, and other energy-related goals, with new or modified utility plans and programs.

Requires eligible communities to obtain all necessary authority and approvals and establish legally enforceable funding mechanisms to cover agreement costs; community approval required through ordinance, resolution, or ballot measure for community-wide programs.

Increases the nameplate rating limit for community solar gardens from 2 megawatts to 5 megawatts and appropriates $67,498 to the Public Utilities Commission for implementation, including $62,225 for personal services and $5,273 for operating expenses.