In Colorado, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), an independent constitutional commission, operates within the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. The PUC provides regulatory oversight of public utilities in the state of Colorado. The PUC helps the people of Colorado to receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental and social values of the state.
Fixed utilities regulated by the Colorado PUC include electric power utilities, natural gas utilities, intrastate natural gas pipelines, district heating utilities, drinking water utilities, and telecommunications utilities. Transportation utilities regulated by the Colorado PUC include railroads, taxis, limousines, shuttles, charters, and sightseeing carriers.
In Colorado, the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) seeks a New Energy Economy through energy efficiency, renewable and clean energy resources. The GEO plays a critical role in charting Colorado’s leadership in providing clean and renewable forms of energy. The GEO works with communities, utilities, private and public organizations. The GEO helps individuals to promote renewable energy such as wind, solar, and geothermal and energy efficiency technologies in commercial and residential buildings.
The Colorado GEO has been an ENERGY STAR partner since 2005. The GEO is receiving ENERGY STAR recognition for implementing Colorado’s innovative, energy efficient, residential new construction program.
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), a division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), regulates oil and gas activities in Colorado. The COGCC has broad statutory authority with respect to impacts on any air, water, soil, or biological resources resulting from oil and gas operations. The COGCC implements the state ground water standards and classifications as they relate to oil and gas exploration and production activities.