Who decides electricity rates that affect Aurora customers?

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission sets rates for investor-owned utilities; municipal authorities set rates for city-owned utilities or franchise terms where applicable.

How can I submit a public comment?

Submit written comments through the PUC docket portal or follow the public comment instructions in the official hearing notice.

Do I need to be a lawyer to participate?

No, members of the public can submit comments and speak at hearings, though formal intervention and evidentiary participation may require compliance with procedural rules.

Aurora Electricity Rate Hearings - How to Participate

Utilities and Infrastructure Colorado 4 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026

Aurora, Colorado customers who want to influence electricity rates can take part in formal hearings and public comment processes before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and through local city channels. This guide explains where to find official notices, how to register to speak or submit written comments, the agencies that enforce rate rules, and practical steps to prepare testimony. For state-level procedures and docket filings see the Colorado Public Utilities Commission site^[1], and for local Aurora utility billing or city guidance see the City of Aurora utilities pages^[2].

Who controls electricity rates

In Aurora most investor-owned electric service rates are set through cases at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC); municipal authorities have jurisdiction over city-owned utilities and franchise terms where applicable. The PUC handles formal rate filings, discovery, evidentiary hearings, and final rate orders.

Before the hearing: notices, dockets, and participation options

Watch official docket notices and schedules for comment deadlines and hearing dates.
Register as an interested party or intervenor when required for full participatory rights.
Prepare a written statement or testimony and any exhibits you plan to rely on during the hearing.
Sign up to provide oral public comment if the docket schedule or hearing format allows it.

During the hearing

Hearings can be in-person, remote (telephonic/virtual), or hybrid. Follow the PUC or hearing officer instructions for submitting exhibits, speaking order, and time limits. Only parties and participants who have complied with pre-hearing registration and procedural rules will typically have cross-examination or evidentiary privileges.

Penalties & Enforcement

Rate-setting itself is remedial and regulatory; monetary fines or penalties for noncompliance with orders are typically described in enforcement actions or statutes rather than rate orders. Specific fine amounts for rate-related violations are not specified on the cited PUC pages.^[1]

Fines or civil penalties: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: the PUC may issue orders, compliance directives, or require corrective actions; civil enforcement can include court referral.
Enforcer: Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC); local city departments may enforce municipal codes where city utilities or franchises apply.
Inspection, compliance and complaint pathways: see PUC consumer complaint and docket contact procedures for filing complaints or compliance concerns.^[1]
Appeals and review: PUC orders can be appealed to Colorado state court within statutory time limits; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited PUC public pages.

If you believe a utility violated an order, file a complaint promptly using the official PUC process.

Applications & Forms

Most participation steps use procedural forms or docket filings managed by the PUC (e.g., intervention motions, notice of appearance, or public comment submissions). The PUC docket portal and local city forms are the authoritative sources; specific form numbers are not specified on the cited pages.^[1]

Practical action steps

Find the docket number for the rate case and note deadlines for comment and intervention.
Submit written comments or file a notice of intervention following the PUC docket instructions.
Register to speak at the hearing if oral comments are part of the record.
If ordered to pay fees or post security, follow the filing and payment instructions in the docket order.

How to prepare testimony and evidence

Organize testimony to address the rate design, customer impacts, or specific cost drivers. Attach supporting documents and label exhibits clearly for submission to the docket. If you lack technical expertise, consider coordinating with consumer advocacy groups or contacting the PUC consumer affairs office for guidance.

Clear, concise written comments are more likely to be considered in the final order.

FAQ

Who decides electricity rates that affect Aurora customers?: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission sets rates for investor-owned utilities; municipal authorities set rates for city-owned utilities or franchise terms where applicable.
How can I submit a public comment?: Submit written comments through the PUC docket portal or follow the public comment instructions in the official hearing notice.
Do I need to be a lawyer to participate?: No, members of the public can submit comments and speak at hearings, though formal intervention and evidentiary participation may require compliance with procedural rules.

How-To

Locate the active docket number for the proposed rate change.
Review the procedural schedule and note deadlines for comments and motions.
File a notice of appearance or written comment according to the docket instructions.
Attend the hearing (virtual or in person) and present oral comments if permitted.
Monitor the PUC order and, if necessary, follow appeal procedures within the applicable statutory period.

Key Takeaways

Most Aurora residential rates are set through Colorado PUC dockets, not city council ordinances.
Deadlines matter: register and submit comments early.