Xcel Energy faces evolving Colorado rules on data-center power demand
Regulators are refining rules for data center power demand, with Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission asking Xcel Energy to develop new standards for how large power users connect to the grid and pay for electricity. The proceeding aims to prevent costly infrastructure from raising residential and small-business rates. Consumer advocates also highlighted Xcel’s rate-increase requests over the past nine months, as investors weigh management’s 2026 earnings outlook and analyst upside potential.