| Rule |
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| Additional Information |
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| Statutory Authority |
The Commission may adopt temporary rules without engaging in the processes required for a permanent rule “only if the agency finds that immediate adoption of the rule is imperatively necessary to comply with a state or federal law or federal regulation or for the preservation of public health, safety, or welfare and
compliance with [permanent rulemaking] requirements . . . would be contrary to the public interest.” § 24-4-103(6)(a), C.R.S. |
| Purpose/Objective of Rule |
This matter comes before the Commission to consider two temporary rules that make minor updates to the rules governing low income programs offered by electric and natural gas utilities. Rules 4 Code of Colorado Regulations 723–3–3412 (Rules Regulating Electric Utilities) and 723–4–4412 (Rules Regulating Gas Utilities and Pipeline Operators) both reference a metric that became outdated when the Colorado Department of Human Services (DHS) changed its Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) regulations in September. This Decision makes a reciprocal change to the Commission’s rules and provides guidance to affected utilities so that low-income programs are not disturbed at a critical time for these programs—heating season—rapidly approaches. |
| Basis And Purpose |
BasisAndPurposeAttachment2019-00628.pdf
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| Comments |
These matters require our immediate attention in order to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Promulgating these temporary rules will restore clear eligibility guidelines for Coloradans who may qualify for low income energy assistance programs. This will reduce the chance that individuals are told they qualify even though they do not, and it will increase the chance that qualifying individuals will be able to obtain energy assistance through the winter. All told, these temporary rules will minimize the impact on low-income Coloradans and will help ensure that low-income energy assistance programs continue to provide assistance to those who need it this winter. |
| Submitted in response to issues raised by COLS/OLLS? |
No
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| Is this rule adopted in response to recent legislation? |
No
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| Contact Name |
Becky Quintana |
| Contact Title |
Deputy Director Policy and External Affairs |
| Contact Telephone |
303-894-2881 |
| Contact email |
rebecca.quintana@state.co.us |