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Xcel Energy (XEL) Colorado unit backs $225M rate hike, keeps 2026 EPS outlook

Filing Impact
(Moderate)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Xcel Energy’s Colorado utility, PSCo, has reached a comprehensive non-unanimous settlement in its 2025 electric rate case with state regulators and other parties. PSCo originally sought a $356 million (9.9%) revenue increase, or $526 million including rider roll-ins, based on a 9.8% ROE, 55% equity ratio and a projected 2025 test-year rate base of $13 billion.

The settlement instead provides a $225 million (6.3%) revenue increase excluding rider roll-ins, using a 2025 historic test year with limited forward-looking adjustments, a 9.3% ROE and 54.5% equity ratio. It also includes a performance framework for the Comanche Unit 3 coal facility through 2029, transfers prior transmission investments into rate base, and continues existing trackers and deferrals. Hearings are scheduled for June 2026, with a CPUC decision and final rates anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. Xcel Energy reaffirmed its 2026 ongoing earnings per share guidance of $4.04 to $4.16.

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Insights

Colorado settlement narrows PSCo’s requested increase but preserves earnings guidance.

Public Service Company of Colorado has moved from an initially requested $356 million (9.9%) revenue increase to a $225 million (6.3%) settlement, with lower allowed ROE (9.3% instead of 9.8%) and a slightly lower equity ratio of 54.5%.

This indicates regulatory support for some recovery of costs and investments while moderating the impact on customers. The settlement also embeds a performance framework for the Comanche Unit 3 coal facility through 2029, transfers prior transmission investments into rate base, and maintains existing trackers and deferrals, which help align revenues with specific cost drivers.

Xcel Energy’s reaffirmed 2026 ongoing EPS guidance of $4.04 to $4.16 suggests management believes the outcome fits within its financial planning. Actual financial impact will depend on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s decision, expected with final rates in the third quarter of 2026.

Item 8.01 Other Events Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Original requested revenue increase $356 million (9.9%) Initial PSCo Colorado electric rate case request, excluding rider roll-ins
Original requested revenue with riders $526 million PSCo request including rider roll-ins in 2025 electric rate case
Projected 2025 rate base $13 billion Test-year rate base used in initial PSCo filing
Settled revenue increase $225 million (6.3%) Revenue increase under comprehensive settlement, excluding rider roll-ins
Settled allowed ROE 9.3% Return on equity in the Colorado settlement terms
Settled equity ratio 54.5% Equity ratio used for PSCo under the settlement
2026 EPS guidance range $4.04–$4.16 Xcel Energy ongoing earnings per share guidance for 2026, reaffirmed
comprehensive non-unanimous settlement agreement regulatory
"PSCo, CPUC Staff and various other parties filed a comprehensive non-unanimous settlement agreement."
historic test year financial
"based on a 2025 historic test year using year-end rate base with limited forward looking known and measurable adjustments."
rider roll-ins financial
"$356 million (9.9%) ($526 million inclusive of rider roll-ins)."
performance framework regulatory
"A performance framework applicable to the operation of Comanche Unit 3 coal facility from effective date of rates through 2029."
trackers and deferrals financial
"Continuation of previously authorized trackers and deferrals."
ongoing earnings per share guidance financial
"Xcel Energy reaffirms its 2026 ongoing earnings per share guidance of $4.04 to $4.16."
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FALSEXCEL ENERGY INC0000072903MNPUBLIC SERVICE CO OF COLORADO0000081018CO00000729032026-06-022026-06-020000072903xel:PublicServiceCompanyOfColoradoMember2026-06-022026-06-020000072903us-gaap:CommonStockMember2026-06-022026-06-020000072903xel:A6.25JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2085Member2026-06-022026-06-02




UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) June 2, 2026
Commission File NumberExact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter; State of Incorporation; Address of Principal Executive Offices; and Telephone NumberIRS Employer Identification Number
001-3034XCEL ENERGY INC.41-0448030
(a Minnesota corporation)
414 Nicollet Mall
MinneapolisMinnesota55401
(612)330-5500
001-3280PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO84-0296600
(a Colorado corporation)
3500 Blake Street
DenverColorado80205
(303)571-7511

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $2.50 par value per shareXELNasdaq Stock Market LLC
6.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2085XELLLNasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. £





Item 8.01. Other Events
In November 2025, Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc. (Xcel Energy), filed an electric rate case with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) seeking an increase in revenue of $356 million (9.9%) ($526 million inclusive of rider roll-ins). The request is based on a 9.8% return on equity (ROE), an equity ratio of 55% and a 2025 test year with a projected rate base of $13 billion.
On June 2, 2026, PSCo, CPUC Staff and various other parties filed a comprehensive non-unanimous settlement agreement. The AARP, City of Boulder and the Colorado Office of Utility Consumer Advocate oppose the settlement. Other parties either support portions of the settlement or do not oppose it. Terms of the settlement include:
Revenue increase (excluding rider roll-ins) of $225 million (6.3%), based on a 2025 historic test year using year-end rate base with limited forward looking known and measurable adjustments.
ROE of 9.3% and equity ratio of 54.5%.
A performance framework applicable to the operation of Comanche Unit 3 coal facility from effective date of rates through 2029.
Transfer of the previous Transmission Cost Adjustment investments into rate base.
Continuation of previously authorized trackers and deferrals.
Hearings to discuss the settlement are scheduled for June 2026. A CPUC decision and implementation of final rates is anticipated in the third quarter of 2026.
Xcel Energy reaffirms its 2026 ongoing earnings per share guidance of $4.04 to $4.16.



























Except for the historical statements contained in this report, the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements, including those relating to 2026 ongoing EPS guidance, expected rate increases to customers and expectations regarding the regulatory proceedings and the effective date of the rates, as well as assumptions and other statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking information. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in PSCo’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2025 and subsequent filings with the SEC, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: operational safety; successful long-term operational planning; risks associated with wildfires; commodity risks associated with energy markets and production; rising energy prices and fuel costs; qualified employee workforce and third-party contractor factors; reputational impacts of actions by employees, directors or third-parties; our ability to recover costs; risks associated with the growth in large load customers; changes in regulation; reductions in our credit ratings and the cost of maintaining certain contractual relationships; general economic conditions, including recessionary conditions, inflation rates, monetary fluctuations, supply chain constraints and their impact on capital expenditures and/or the ability of PSCo to obtain financing on favorable terms; availability or cost of capital; our customers’ and counterparties’ ability to pay their debts to us; assumptions and costs relating to funding our employee benefit plans and health care benefits; tax laws; uncertainty regarding epidemics; effects of geopolitical events, including war and acts of terrorism; cybersecurity threats and data security breaches; seasonal weather patterns; changes in environmental laws and regulations; climate change and other weather events; natural disaster and resource depletion, including compliance with any accompanying legislative and regulatory changes; costs of potential regulatory penalties and wildfire damages in excess of liability insurance coverage; regulatory changes and/or limitations related to the use of natural gas as an energy source; challenging labor market conditions and our ability to attract and retain a qualified workforce; and our ability to execute on our strategies or achieve expectations related to environmental, social and governance matters including as a result of evolving legal, regulatory and other standards, processes, and assumptions, the pace of scientific and technological developments, increased costs, the availability of requisite financing, and changes in carbon markets.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

June 3, 2026
Xcel Energy Inc. (a Minnesota corporation)
Public Service Company of Colorado (a Colorado corporation)
/s/ BRIAN J. VAN ABEL
Brian J. Van Abel
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer


FAQ

What rate increase did Xcel Energy’s PSCo originally request in Colorado?

Public Service Company of Colorado initially requested a revenue increase of $356 million (9.9%), or $526 million including rider roll-ins. The request was based on a 9.8% return on equity, 55% equity ratio, and a projected 2025 test-year rate base of $13 billion.

What are the key terms of the Colorado rate case settlement for Xcel Energy (XEL)?

The settlement provides a $225 million (6.3%) revenue increase, excluding rider roll-ins, using a 2025 historic test year. It includes a 9.3% ROE, 54.5% equity ratio, a performance framework for Comanche Unit 3 through 2029, transfer of prior transmission investments into rate base, and continuation of trackers and deferrals.

Which parties oppose the Xcel Energy PSCo rate case settlement in Colorado?

The settlement is opposed by the AARP, the City of Boulder, and the Colorado Office of Utility Consumer Advocate. Other parties either support portions of the settlement or do not oppose it, making the agreement non-unanimous rather than fully consensual.

When will the Colorado PUC decide on Xcel Energy’s PSCo settlement and new rates?

Hearings on the settlement are scheduled for June 2026, with a Colorado Public Utilities Commission decision and implementation of final rates anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. The timing means financial effects would begin after final approval and rate implementation.

Did Xcel Energy (XEL) change its 2026 earnings guidance in this update?

Xcel Energy reaffirmed its 2026 ongoing earnings per share guidance of $4.04 to $4.16. Maintaining this range indicates the company currently expects the Colorado rate case outcome and related regulatory developments to fit within its existing financial outlook for 2026.

How does the settlement affect Comanche Unit 3 in Xcel Energy’s Colorado operations?

The settlement establishes a performance framework for the Comanche Unit 3 coal facility from the effective date of rates through 2029. This framework is intended to govern plant operation and performance during that period under the new rate structure and regulatory expectations.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

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