SB21-272 Summary

• Allocates up to $250,000 annually from the Public Utilities Commission fixed utility fund for contracts with independent subject-matter experts, adjusted annually for inflation.

• Requires intervenors in PUC proceedings to disclose financial relationships, corporate affiliations, and funding received from regulated utilities within the preceding 24 months, with all disclosures published on the commission's website.

• Directs the PUC to consider equity impacts on disproportionately impacted communities and low-income customers in all regulatory decisions, including requiring at least 40% of renewable energy expenditures to benefit these populations through January 31, 2028.

• Modifies utility fee caps by increasing the maximum fee for telephone corporations from one-fifth to two-fifths of one percent and for other utilities from one-quarter to forty-five one-hundredths of one percent of gross intrastate utility operating revenues.

• Authorizes the PUC to require investor-owned utilities planning facility retirements to present net present value analyses comparing scenarios with and without Colorado Energy Impact Bonds as financing options.