travel and entertainment

In a pre-holiday rush, Xcel Energy rate increase cases are flying fast and furiously before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission these days.
The PUC Wednesday essentially re-opened Xcel’s electricity rate case that appeared settled earlier this month, putting it back on the agenda for Tuesday of next week because of unexpected delays in getting the Comanche [...]

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission late Friday afternoon approved a $128.3 million increase in Xcel Energy electric rates that will go into effect Jan. 1.

The Minnesota-based, investor-owned utility – Colorado’s largest power supplier – had originally sought a $180 million increase, which was whittled down to nearly $136 million in a settlement with two consumer groups.

With Xcel Energy on pace to disconnect power to some 70,000 Coloradans this year for nonpayment, energy activists are openly questioning why ratepayers should pick up the tab for lavish executive board-member dinners, hotel and spa retreats and luxury box tickets to professional sports games.