Passed Colorado Bill Will Increase Safety, Affordability, and Reliability 

Bill Focuses on Utility Regulation, Modernizing the Energy Grid, and Emphasizing Renewable Energy 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2026 

Media Contact: Estrella Lozano, Media and Press Associate at Vote Solar, elozano@votesolar.org 

Denver, CO — Governor Polis has signed the Reauthorization of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) bill today. The bill focuses on modernizing utility regulation, increasing oversight, helping update the energy grid, and reducing communities’ energy bills. 

The PUC makes decisions that affect communities’ energy bills, the kinds of new energy infrastructure built, and which costs are passed on to residents. By modernizing the guidelines that regulate utilities, the PUC can ensure energy reliability while balancing energy bills and the state’s environmental goals.

“The reauthorization of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission is a critical step toward stronger utility oversight and smarter decision making that will directly impact communities’ pocketbooks,” said Chauntille Roberts, Vote Solar’s West Regional Director. “We are grateful Governor Polis recognizes that families across the state deserve reliable energy, fair utility rates, and a system that prioritizes affordability alongside a clean energy future powered by the sun.” 

The bill HB26-1326 includes key initiatives that require gas utilities to reduce their emissions by 41% over the next decade, restrict unnecessary fossil fuel infrastructure, and promote electrification through reliable clean energy like solar. Importantly, the bill will also require the PUC to formally integrate equity into its decision-making process, ensuring that all communities are considered and that decisions do not disproportionately affect low-income or disadvantaged communities. 

“This bill is about building a cleaner, more affordable, and more equitable energy future,” said Roberts. “By reducing costly and unnecessary fossil fuels, embracing solar, and ensuring every community has a voice in the PUC’s decisions, we are creating a system that works better for families today and generations to come.”

About Vote Solar

Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build an equitable clean energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.