LIBRE urges Colorado regulators to put families first as Xcel Energy rate cases move toward decisions

Denver, Co (8/13/26) — As Colorado Latino families continue facing higher costs for groceries, housing, back-to-school supplies, transportation and other everyday necessities, The LIBRE Initiative is urging the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to reject additional energy costs that would make it even harder for families to make ends meet.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Xcel Energy is seeking higher rates in pending electric and natural gas cases before the PUC.
• While the company’s original requests have been reduced through proposed settlements, the current proposals could still increase the average residential customer’s bill by approximately $11 per month, or roughly $135 per year, for customers receiving both electric and natural gas service.
• Xcel’s electric proposal was reduced from approximately $355.6 million to $224.9 million, while its natural gas request was reduced from approximately $190 million to $123 million.

WHY IT MATTERS:

• For Latino families already budgeting for school supplies, clothing, groceries, rent or mortgages and transportation, another increase to a basic household expense adds pressure to already stretched budgets.

“Colorado Latino families are being asked to stretch their budgets further and further just to keep up with the rising cost of everyday life. As parents prepare for a new school year, the last thing families need is another increase in their monthly bills. Latino families want a lower cost of living, not higher energy bills. The LIBRE Initiative is talking directly with families in communities across Colorado, helping them understand what is being considered and making sure they have an opportunity to make their voices heard before the PUC makes its decision.” — Angel Merlos, Strategic Director at The LIBRE Initiative

The LIBRE Initiative is taking this message directly to Colorado families and communities, encouraging them to use their voices and speak up before the PUC makes its decision. Latino families deserve a say in decisions that affect their household budgets, and now is the time to make their voices heard.

LIBRE event educating Colorado families about proposed PUC rate increases and how they can make their voices heard.

The PUC has not yet made a final decision in the electric case, and Xcel anticipates a decision during the third quarter of 2026. That means Colorado families still have an opportunity to make their voices heard.

Latino families want a lower cost of living, not higher energy bills.

TAKE ACTION: Tell the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to protect ratepayers and vote no on another rate increase.

Tell the PUC to protect Colorado families