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In a significant decision that will impact millions of Coloradans, the Colorado Public Utility Regulation Committee approved a rate increase for the state's largest energy provider, Rocky Mountain Power, on May 29, 2026. The decision comes after months of hearings and deliberations, with consumer advocates and environmental groups voicing concerns about the potential impact on residents and the environment.The approved rate increase will see average residential electricity bills go up by approximately 10%, while commercial and industrial customers could see even larger increases. This is the first rate hike for Rocky Mountain Power in over five years, and the company cited rising costs of maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and compliance with environmental regulations as reasons for the increase.Consumer advocates have expressed disappointment in the decision, arguing that the rate hike will disproportionately impact low-income households and exacerbate energy affordability issues in the state. They have also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the rate-setting process and the limited opportunities for public input.Environmental groups have criticized the decision for not doing enough to incentivize renewable energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. They argue that the rate increase will only further incentivize Rocky Mountain Power to continue relying on coal and natural gas for electricity generation, instead of investing in cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.Despite these criticisms, the Public Utility Regulation Committee defended its decision, stating that the rate increase is necessary to ensure the reliability and stability of the state's electric grid. They emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration of all stakeholder interests and that efforts will be made to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations through targeted assistance programs.The approved rate increase is set to take effect in the coming months, with Rocky Mountain Power expected to start notifying customers of the changes in the coming weeks. The decision is likely to spark further debate and scrutiny of Colorado's public utility regulation policies, as residents and advocacy groups continue to push for more transparency and accountability in the rate-setting process.