CO SB134

Water companies registered as nonprofit organizations under federal tax code section 501(c) are exempt from Public Utilities Commission regulation under Colorado's Public Utilities Law.

Nonprofit water companies must maintain just and reasonable rates, charges, and terms of service despite regulatory exemption.

The Public Utilities Commission must resolve complaints about nonprofit water company rates if signed by a city/county official, public utility executive, or the lesser of 25 customers or 25 percent of current customers.

The Public Utilities Commission continues to grant simplified regulatory treatment to small, privately owned water companies serving fewer than 1,500 customers, balancing oversight with regulatory costs.

The act takes effect August 8, 2018, unless subject to a referendum petition requiring voter approval in November 2018.