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ChatGPTClaudePerplexityStoryline · 6 events · Sep 3, 2019 – Oct 27, 2026
Xcel Energy (SPS) electric rate cases: the City's resolutions and the Alliance of Xcel Municipalities (2019-2026)
Quick answers
- What is the latest on Xcel (SPS) rate cases?
- Oct 27, 2026: Council denies SPS's proposed tariff changes for very large customers such as data centers. The council adopted Resolution No. 10-27-26-3 on first and final reading, on a voice vote with no opposition heard, denying Southwestern Public Service Company's request to amend its proposed "Large General Service - Transmission" tariff, requiring reimbursement of municipal rate case expenses, and authorizing participation in the coalition of cities, intervention and special counsel. Read the event
- How far back does this record of Xcel (SPS) rate cases go?
- To Sep 3, 2019: Council suspends SPS's 2019 electric rate request and joins the Alliance of Xcel Municipalities, 5-0. The storyline has 6 dated events in all. Read the event
When Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS, an Xcel Energy operating company) files to change its rates, the City Council acts on the request and joins other cities in the Alliance of Xcel Municipalities, which directs lawyers and consultants in the related proceedings, with SPS required to reimburse reasonable expenses. The council suspended SPS's August 2019 rate request (September 2019) and denied it (January 2020); approved a 2020 surcharge and suspended a February 2021 rate request (February 2021); denied a February 2023 rate request (August 2023); and denied a proposed surcharge (September 2024), each 5-0. On October 27, 2026 it denied SPS's proposed changes to its Large General Service - Transmission tariff for very large customers such as data centers; staff said the coalition wants those customers to bear the cost of the transmission they require.
A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines
· Origin
Council suspends SPS's 2019 electric rate request and joins the Alliance of Xcel Municipalities, 5-0
The council adopted Resolution No. 09-03-19-1, suspending the rate increase Southwestern Public Service Company requested on August 8, 2019, approving interim rates subject to refund, and authorizing continued participation with other cities in the Alliance of Xcel Municipalities to direct lawyers and consultants, with SPS to reimburse reasonable expenses. City Attorney Bryan McWilliams presented it; City Manager Jared Miller called SPS an important and essential partner and said the suspension gave time to review how the request affects residents. The vote was 5-0.[1]
· Related development
Council denies SPS's 2019 rate increase request, 5-0
The council adopted Resolution No. 01-28-20-1, denying the rate increase Southwestern Public Service Company requested on August 8, 2019 and directing SPS to reimburse the City's rate case expenses. City Manager Jared Miller presented it, and an SPS representative noted that Xcel Energy is SPS's parent. The vote was 5-0.[2]
· Related development
Council approves an SPS surcharge and suspends its February 2021 rate request, 5-0 each
The council approved the surcharge in Public Utility Commission Docket No. 49831, which Southwestern Public Service Company submitted on about December 18, 2020, and authorized participation in the Alliance of Xcel Municipalities and retention of special counsel. It also adopted Resolution No. 02-23-21-3, suspending the effective date of the rate increase SPS filed on about February 8, 2021 and approving temporary rates. Both votes were 5-0.[3]
· Related development
Council denies SPS's 2023 rate increase request, 5-0
The council adopted Resolution No. 08-15-23-3, denying the rate increase Southwestern Public Service Company requested in its statement of intent of about February 8, 2023 and requiring reimbursement of reasonable legal and consultant expenses. Assistant City Manager and CFO Laura Storrs presented it, with an Xcel Energy representative attending. The vote was 5-0.[4]
· Related development
Council denies a proposed SPS rate surcharge on its consent agenda, 5-0
Resolution No. 09-24-24-1, approved with the consent agenda 5-0, denied a proposed surcharge in Southwestern Public Service Company's rates and authorized the City's continued participation in the Alliance of Xcel Municipalities, the hiring of attorneys and consultants, intervention in related proceedings and reimbursement of reasonable expenses.[5]
· Related development
Council denies SPS's proposed tariff changes for very large customers such as data centers
The council adopted Resolution No. 10-27-26-3 on first and final reading, on a voice vote with no opposition heard, denying Southwestern Public Service Company's request to amend its proposed "Large General Service - Transmission" tariff, requiring reimbursement of municipal rate case expenses, and authorizing participation in the coalition of cities, intervention and special counsel. Staff said SPS expects significant growth from large customers such as data centers that will require substantial electric investment, and that the coalition wants those customers to pay their share so existing households and businesses are not left with the costs if a project never opens, shuts down or fails to pay. Special counsel found the proposal did not sufficiently address how those costs would be assigned, and cities were not given advance notice. Staff said the denial does not stop SPS from serving new customers; the application continues at the Public Utility Commission.[6][7]
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