Colorado SB72 creates the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) and also requires state utilities to join an RTO by 2030, unless the PUC finds it is not in the public interest or cannot find one to join. CETA has the authority to: issue revenue bonds, identify and establish intrastate electric transmission corridors, coordinate with other entities to establish interstate electric transmission corridors, exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire eligible facilities, and collect payments of reasonable rates, fees, interest, or other charges from persons using eligible facilities.
Further, the bill directs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to approve utilities’ applications for constructing or expanding transmission facilities within 240 days, or the application will be automatically approved.