HB 1081: Optimize Colorado Electric Transmission System

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Section 3 of the act defines 'advanced transmission technologies' as hardware or software technologies that increase the capacity, efficiency, reliability, or resiliency of an existing or new transmission facility.     Section 4 requires the Colorado public utilities commission (commission) to adopt rules requiring a regulated electric utility to consider advanced transmission technologies in the electric utility's 10-year transmission plan and to identify strategies to reduce the costs of, and obtain financing for, new transmission. The commission is directed to minimize duplication of transmission planning processes, technical studies, or analyses conducted through an applicable regional transmission organization or independent system operator.     Section 5 requires the Colorado electric transmission authority (authority) to, as much as practicable, engage and coordinate with formal subregional transmission planning organizations.     Under current law, the authority is required to annually submit a report of its activities, including a complete operating and financial statement covering the operations of the authority for the previous state fiscal year, to certain committees of reference of the general assembly. Section 6 requires that the annual report also include a description of the activities and accomplishments of the authority during the previous calendar year.     Section 7 adds a nonvoting seat to the authority's board of directors for the director of the commission or the director's designee.     Section 8 clarifies that a project that includes advanced transmission technologies and meets certain criteria is an energy sector public works project. Section 9 states that an energy sector public works project that includes advanced transmission technologies must meet applicable prevailing wage requirements and apprenticeship utilization requirements.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 29 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 29, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 20, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 20, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 20, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. April 14, 2026House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 9, 2026House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily
7. April 8, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
8. April 7, 2026Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
9. April 1, 2026Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole
10. March 11, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Transportation & Energy
11. March 6, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. March 5, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history