Overview
- State commissioners approved keeping the Comanche 2 coal unit running until Dec. 31, 2026 to address a near-term capacity gap.
- The order mandates a January report, monthly updates on operations and repair progress, and a final tally in June 2026, with limits on combined generation if Unit 3 returns next year.
- Comanche 3 has been down since an Aug. 12 turbine trip caused notable damage; Xcel projects a June 2026 restart but has provided no ballpark repair cost.
- PUC members criticized the absence of cost estimates and cautioned that repair and replacement-power expenses could be denied recovery from customers without demonstrated prudence.
- Xcel, PUC staff and state energy offices cited reliability risks from tight supply, while environmental advocates sought stricter limits and Pueblo officials supported keeping Unit 2 online.