2025 COLORADO LEGISLATIVE SESSION REPORT
AN OVERVIEW OF CREA’S LEGISLATIVE WORK
COLORADO RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
By Taylor Ward, Director of Government Relations
MAY 2025
5 Regional Roundtables Held
CELEBRATING LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY AT THE CAPITOL
On April 17, CREA joined lawmakers and industry partners in recognizing Lineworker Appreciation Day with a formal tribute in the Colorado Senate. This annual observance honors the skilled professionals who keep Coloradans’ lights on.
CREA staff and co-op representatives were present for the introduction of a Senate Tribute celebrating the vital role lineworkers play in public safety, community resilience, and the reliable delivery of electric service. Lawmakers from both parties spoke passionately in support of the tribute, reflecting the broad, bipartisan appreciation for the work of Colorado’s lineworkers.
It was a powerful reminder of how much respect and admiration these essential workers have earned — and why we continue to advocate for their safety, training, and recognition at every opportunity.
State Senators Tony Exum (D-Colorado Springs) and Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa) read the Lineworker Appreciation Day Tribute on the Senate Floor.
Colorado electric cooperative lineworkers and representatives visit the Capitol for the Senate tribute recognizing Lineworker Appreciation Day.
Mountain View Electric Association’s lineworkers visit with State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-Brighton) at Lineworker Appreciation Day.
PRIORITY BILL HIGHLIGHTS & UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Throughout the 1st Called Session of the 75th General Assembly, CREA remained focused on protecting the interests of Colorado’s electric co-ops and the members they serve. The following highlights showcase key issues we engaged on — and the impact of our advocacy at the Capitol.
SB25-299 – CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL SOLAR SALES
CREA was proud to support and work alongside the Colorado Solar and Storage Association on SB25-299, which strengthens consumer protections against deceptive solar sales practices. Too often, our electric co-ops are misrepresented as being affiliated with these companies, or their rates are used to justify misleading savings estimates. This bill addresses those issues directly by protecting our co-ops’ members from bad actors while supporting legitimate solar companies that are contribute to our mission of creating a path to a sustainable future.
SB25-037 – COAL TRANSITION GRANTS
In the final days of session, CREA identified and responded to a last-minute amendment that would have allowed municipalities to bypass voter approval and CPCN requirements when developing new generation projects, which posed a direct threat to certificated service territory for all utilities. CREA immediately mobilized, engaging with sponsors, proponents, and allied utilities to protect co-op authority. Our swift and strategic advocacy led to the amendment’s removal in conference committee. This win underscores the critical importance of CREA’s vigilance and presence through the very end of session to defend against harmful, last-minute changes.
HB25-1040 – NUCLEAR ENERGY AS CLEAN ENERGY
After several failed attempts in prior years, HB25-1040 passed with CREA’s support. This bill recognizes nuclear energy as a clean energy resource under Colorado law. While nuclear may not be the most cost-effective power source today, this bill adds another option to assist utilities in meeting the state’s clean energy mandates. CREA backed the bill to ensure electric co-ops have as many tools as possible to meet Colorado’s clean energy goals reliably and affordably.
HB25-1234 – DISCONNECT PROHIBITIONS
Electric co-ops already do everything possible to avoid service disconnections, so it was surprising to see legislation introduced that would have imposed broad moratoriums from October through May, during cold weather, poor air quality days, and more. CREA successfully secured a full carveout for electric co-ops by highlighting existing disconnection policies and robust payment assistance programs. The final bill, now focused solely on Energy Outreach Colorado’s efforts, no longer affects electric co-ops — protecting local flexibility and preserving member-first practices.
SB25-165 – ELECTRICIAN LICENSURE
While this bill initially appeared to focus only on electrician licensure, CREA quickly identified a provision that would have disrupted long-standing practices between electric co-ops and licensed electricians, specifically regarding those who handle wiring on either side of the meter. The proposed change raised serious safety concerns and could have imposed significant costs on electric co-ops. CREA convened a group of co-op managers and engineers to engage with the bill sponsor and proponents. Thanks to their expertise and advocacy, the bill was amended to preserve current practices, which was a key win for safety, cost-efficiency, and co-op operations.
CONSUMER PROTECTION BILLS
Two consumer protection bills introduced this session had the potential to unintentionally harm electric cooperatives by opening the door to frivolous lawsuits over rates. HB25-1090, aimed at curbing price gouging during declared disasters, and HB25-1010, targeting “junk fees” like those charged by airlines and event vendors, were both drafted so that utility rates may have been captured. CREA engaged directly with the proponent, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, to address these concerns. We secured an amendment to the “junk fees” bill clarifying that electric rates cannot always be disclosed up front. Additionally, the price gouging bill was narrowed to apply only during Governor-declared disasters involving significant market disruption. These wins protected our members from unnecessary legal exposure and preserved the integrity of co-op rate-setting.
HB25-1234 UTILITY CONSUMER PROTECTION
Sponsors Rep. Junie Joseph (D-Boulder); Rep. Naquetta Ricks (D-Aurora); Sen. Faith Winter (D-Broomfield)
Summary The introduced bill would have imposed strict limits on utility disconnections by electric cooperatives, including a ban on shutoffs from October through May, exceptions for medical issues, in periods of high or low temperatures, and more. Following substantial opposition, those provisions were removed. The final version focuses on the Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), requiring the Department of Human Services to allow applicants to fix incomplete applications and, for investor-owned utilities, notify them when applications are under review.
CREA Action CREA engaged heavily on this bill due to the burdensome restrictions it initially proposed for electric cooperatives. We worked closely with the sponsors, Energy Outreach Colorado, and fellow utilities to remove language that would have imposed strict disconnect prohibitions. CREA emphasized the proactive steps co-ops already take to support low-income members — including medical exemptions, flexible payment plans, and strong community partnerships. After these efforts, all disconnect restrictions were removed and CREA moved to a neutral position.
Status Passed.
HB25-1009 VEGETATIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT
Sponsors Rep. Tisha Mauro (D-Pueblo); Rep. Junie Joseph (D-Boulder); Sen. Lisa Cutter
Summary This bill allows fire protection and metropolitan districts that provide fire services to create programs for removing dead or dry vegetation on private property. These programs may include enforcement authority and the ability to issue fines for noncompliance.
While the introduced version could have penalized electric cooperatives for vegetative issues even if they have plans to address them, the final bill exempts public utilities that operate under approved wildfire mitigation or vegetation management plans.
CREA Action CREA successfully amended the bill to narrow the definition of “owner or occupier,” ensuring that public utilities — including electric cooperatives — with approved vegetation management or wildfire mitigation plans are not subject to new fines or compliance requirements imposed by local districts.
Status Passed. Signed by the Governor on 3/31.
HB25-1090 PROTECTIONS AGAINST DECEPTIVE PRICING PRACTICES
Sponsors Rep. Emily Sirota (D-Denver); Rep. Naquetta Ricks (D-Aurora); Sen. Mike Weissman (D-Aurora); Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Littleton)
Summary Commonly referred to as the “junk fees” bill, this legislation prohibits businesses from advertising or displaying prices for goods, services, or property without also disclosing the maximum total price a customer may pay—excluding government fees and shipping charges. The final version clarifies that sellers remain compliant if they clearly disclose any mandatory fees, the factors influencing total price, and any potential price variation.
CREA Action CREA successfully worked with the Attorney General’s office and sponsors to amend the bill to clarify how pricing should be disclosed when the total cost of a service cannot be determined upfront, for instances such as electricity rates. The amendment ensures that electric cooperatives remain in compliance as long as they clearly outline the factors influencing total price, any mandatory fees, and the potential for variation.
Status Passed. Signed by the Governor on 4/21.
HB25-1010 PROHIBITING PRICE GOUGING IN SALES OF NECESSITIES
Sponsors Rep. Yara Zokaie (D-Fort Collins); Rep. Kyle Brown (D-Louisville); Sen. Mike Weissman (D-Aurora)
Summary The introduced bill would have defined price gouging as any increase of 10% or more above the 90-day average price of a necessity—potentially including utility rates. The final version, amended in response to widespread concerns, narrowed the application: price gouging now only applies when a necessity’s price rises more than 10% following a Governor-declared disaster accompanied by a “significant market disruption.
CREA Action CREA engaged early with the bill sponsors and the Attorney General’s office to address concerns that the original language could apply to electric utility rates. After several rounds of discussion and opposition from the entire business community, the bill was narrowed to apply only during a governor-declared disaster with a significant market disruption. With those changes, CREA moved to a neutral position.
Status Passed.
(D-Littleton); Sen. Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo)
SB25-1292 TRANSMISSION LINES IN HIGHWAY ROW
Sponsors Rep. Andy Boesenecker (D-Fort Collins); Sen. Faith Winter (D-Broomfield); Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Littleton)
Summary This bill imposes fees on transmission developers using state highway rights-of-way for high-voltage electric lines. Originally, the bill applied to lines above 69 kilovolts, which could have captured many electric cooperative projects. The final version raises the threshold to above 115 kilovolts to reflect standard transmission definitions. Fees may be paid as a one-time $12,000 per mile or in annual installments of $600 per mile for 20 years.
CREA Action CREA worked with the bill sponsors and proponents to successfully advocate for an amendment raising the voltage threshold from “in excess of 69kV” to “in excess of 115kV,” ensuring that standard distribution projects by electric cooperatives would not be unintentionally impacted.
Status Passed.
SB25-142 CHANGES TO WILDFIRE RESILIENCY CODE BOARD
Sponsors Sen. Mark Baisley (R-Roxborough Park); Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Littleton); Rep. Elizabeth Velasco (D-Glenwood Springs)
Summary The original version of this bill proposed major changes to the composition of the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board, including the removal of the electric cooperative representative. After advocacy and discussions with the sponsors, the bill was significantly amended. The final version simply extends the deadline for local governments to adopt wildfire resiliency codes from three to nine months and allows enforcement through cooperative agreements. The final legislation does not impact electric cooperatives.
CREA Action CREA successfully advocated for an amendment that preserved the electric cooperative representative on the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board.
Status Passed.
HB25-1040 ADDING NUCLEAR ENERGY AS A CLEAN ENERGY RESOURCE
Sponsors Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver); Rep. Ty Winter (R-Trinidad); Sen. Dylan Roberts (D-Eagle); Sen. Larry Liston (R-Colorado Springs)
Summary This bill expands the definitions of “clean energy” and “clean energy resource” to include nuclear energy. These updated definitions apply to the types of energy retail utilities can use to meet Colorado’s 2050 clean energy goals.
CREA Action CREA supported the bill, emphasizing to legislators that electric cooperatives welcome additional options and tools—like nuclear energy—to help meet Colorado’s clean energy mandates.
Status Passed. Signed by the Governor on 3/31.
HB25-1006 SCHOOL DISTRICT SOLAR GARDEN LEASE TERM
Sponsors Rep. Meghan Lukens (D-Steamboat); Rep. Anthony Hartsook (R-Parker); Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village); Sen. Chris Kolker (D-Centennial)
Summary Under current law, school districts may rent or lease district property not needed for educational purposes for terms up to ten years. This bill allows a school district to rent or lease property for solar fields or affordable housing for any length of time.
CREA Action CREA supported this legislation.
Status Passed.
BILL SUMMARIES: CREA TRACKED BILLS THAT FAILED
The following bills were monitored, amended, or opposed by CREA and ultimately failed to become law.
SB25-280 DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT & GRID MODERNIZATION
Sponsors Sen. Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo); Sen. Paul Lundeen (R-Monument); Rep. Kyle Brown (D-Louisville); Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver)
Summary This bill went through multiple variations before it died. The final version would have created sales and use tax exemptions for data centers who meet certain criteria and are locating their business in Colorado.
The bill contained provision that would have allowed an independent power producer to supply power to a data center operation if the incumbent utility was unable to serve the project within 36 months. This was CREA’s largest concern with the legislation as it eroded long-standing public utility law that provides for certificated service territories that cannot be infringed upon without due process.
CREA Action CREA engaged heavily in this legislation, advocating against the independent power producer provisions that would have infringed on electric cooperatives’ certificated service territories. It became clear that Senate Minority Leader Lundeen, a co-prime sponsor of the bill, was using this language to promote a message about deregulation of the Colorado utility industry, which CREA fought hard against. Although the bill ultimately died, CREA was successful in securing an agreement with the sponsors and proponents to remove that problematic language if it was heard in Senate Appropriations.
Status Dead. The bill ultimately died on the Senate Appropriations calendar. We anticipate a similar bill to be introduced in the next legislative session.
HB25-1260 ELECTRICAL GENERATION & DISTRIBUTION RESILIENCY
Sponsors Rep. Ken DeGraaf (R-Colorado Springs); Sen. Rod Pelton (R-Cheyenne Wells)
Summary This bill initially proposed a study of Colorado’s electric generation and distribution systems to assess vulnerabilities to geomagnetic storms, directing the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to develop resiliency standards. Key provisions included monitoring space weather, isolating critical grid components, protecting infrastructure from surges, and enhancing cybersecurity through network isolation and certification.
The bill was later amended to shift responsibility from the PUC to NERC-jurisdictional utilities, requiring them to report their existing resiliency standards to the General Assembly. This raised serious safety concerns about disclosing sensitive grid security information in a public forum.
CREA Action CREA opposed the bill due to serious safety concerns related to disclosing sensitive grid security information. CREA successfully secured enough votes in the Senate to defeat the bill.
Status Dead. The bill was voted down by the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee.
SB25-157 DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT STANDARD
Sponsors Sen. Mike Weissman (D-Aurora); Sen. Julie Gonzales (D-Denver); Rep. Brianna Titone (D-Golden); Rep. Javier Mabrey (D-Denver)
Summary This bill aimed to eliminate the requirement that plaintiffs prove a “public impact” when bringing claims under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Instead, it clarified that a deceptive trade practice—either as defined in the CCPA or with the capacity to harm others—would be sufficient to establish public impact.
CREA Action CREA partnered with the broader business community to oppose this bill, emphasizing that it would have opened electric cooperatives to costly and unnecessary litigation.
Status Dead. The bill was voted down by the Senate.
HB25-1286 PROTECTING WORKERS FROM EXTREME TEMPERATURES
Sponsors Rep. Meg Froelich (D-Englewood); Rep. Elizabeth Velasco (D-Glenwood Springs); Sen. Mike Weissman (D-Aurora); Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Littleton)
Summary This bill would have imposed broad workplace requirements for employees exposed to “extreme hot and cold temperatures,” with limited exceptions for emergency response. Employers would have been required to implement temperature monitoring, buddy systems, rest breaks, access to heated or cooled facilities, and detailed prevention plans. The thresholds included a 90-degree “high heat” trigger and a 30-degree wind chill “cold” trigger.
CREA Action CREA educated the sponsors and legislators about the safety efforts that electric CREA educated bill sponsors and legislators on the safety protocols electric cooperatives already have in place, emphasizing the robust training provided by CREA’s Safety & Loss Department and the customized procedures developed by each co-op based on their terrain and operational needs. CREA also joined the broader business community in opposing the bill.
Status Dead. The bill was postponed by the sponsors.
HB25-1119 REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF CLIMATE EMISSIONS
Sponsors Rep. Manny Rutinel (D-Commerce City)
Summary This bill required large businesses—those with over $1 billion in annual revenue—to publicly report their greenhouse gas emissions, with requirements phased in through 2031. Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reporting (direct fuel use and purchased electricity) would have been due by January 1, 2028. Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions such as supply chain activities, employee commuting, and procurement) would have been required starting January 1, 2029. The bill also included specific calculation protocols and mandated third-party verification of emissions data.
CREA Action CREA joined a broad coalition of affected businesses in urging lawmakers to oppose the bill.
Status Dead. House Energy & Environment Committee members ultimately voted the bill down.
HB25-1241 PUBLIC ACCESSIBILITY OF EMISSIONS RECORDS
Sponsors Rep. Bob Marshall (D-Highlands Ranch); Rep. Lorena Garcia (D-Denver); Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Littleton); Sen. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins)
Summary This bill would have required the owner of a stationary source to post on their website copies of records that they submit to state or federal government following the same schedule that those records are made available to government entities.
CREA Action CREA opposed this legislation. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a $14 million fiscal note for this bill, ultimately killing the bill.
Status Dead.
SB25-074 HIGHLY SPECIALIZED EMPLOYMENT LEAVE PROTECTION
Sponsors Sen. Scott Bright (R-Plattville); Rep. Carlos Barron (R-Fort Lupton)
Summary This bill would have created an exemption to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act for employers whose workforce is made up of at least 51% “highly specialized employees.” These employees were defined as those with non-transferable responsibilities, advanced degrees that limit replacement options, or rare and in-demand skills. The exemption would have released qualifying employers from the obligation to retain an employee’s job or maintain their health benefits during leave.
Status Dead. The bill was postponed indefinitely by the sponsor.
