SB 142: Development of Thermal Energy Resources

Official summary

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

The act authorizes a local government or a special district (local government) to enter into an agreement with one or more entities for the purpose of providing the local government with service from a thermal energy network. A local government that is authorized by law to issue bonds may issue bonds for the purpose of financing thermal energy infrastructure, interconnections, or customer connections within the jurisdiction of the local government.     The act increases the net electric generating capacity of a community geothermal garden from 5 megawatts to 25 megawatts.     The act requires the Colorado energy and carbon management commission (commission) and the Colorado geological survey to collect data and information related to geological resources in the state. The commission shall make recommendations to encourage safe and effective development of geothermal resources and report those recommendations to the general assembly on or before November 15, 2026.     The act requires investor-owned electric utilities (utilities) to identify small-scale geothermal projects and large-scale geothermal projects (geothermal projects). The utility must solicit proposals for the development of small-scale geothermal projects of up to 25 megawatts of net electric generating capacity and large-scale geothermal projects that are greater than 25 megawatts of net electric generating capacity. The utility shall submit applications for the development of the geothermal projects to the public utilities commission if the utility receives a bid in response to the request for proposals. The public utilities commission must review the application and approve, conditionally approve, deny, or modify the application within 120 days after receiving the application.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 27 · 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. June 1, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 22, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
3. May 22, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. May 22, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. May 5, 2026Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. May 4, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. May 1, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
8. April 30, 2026House Committee on Energy & Environment Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole
9. April 28, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
10. April 28, 2026Introduced In House - Assigned to Energy & Environment
11. April 27, 2026Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
12. April 22, 2026Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole

Showing 12 most recent of 13 actions. Full history