Xcel Energy is gearing up to issue its Just Transition Solicitation (JTS) RFP, which it is aiming to put out later this year.

Theo Keith, spokesperson with Xcel, told NPM that an exact date for the RFP’s issuance is not yet available. Though, Xcel Energy stated it would issue the solicitation in 1Q26.

Xcel Energy filed for Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approval of its Just Transition Solicitation (JTS) in October 2024, which is part of the utility’s Electric Resource Plan (ERP) Phase I to address the acquisition of new utility resources to meet future electricity needs on its system.

The main objectives of JTS include fulfilling resource adequacy (RA), as well as providing reliable service. It aims to also make continuing progress on emissions reductions and deliver a “just transition” in communities where generation assets are retiring.

These communities include Xcel’s Unit 3 coal-fired facility in Pueblo, Colorado, which is slated to retire no later than January 1, 2031. Other coal-fired facilities are in Craige and Hayden, Colorado, set to retire in 2027 and 2028. JTS aims to secure additional resources from 2029 to 2033.

The CPUC has approved approximately 6,000 MW of new generation through the RFP, which would span generation and storage resources.

Though, according to the CPUC’s November 2025 approval of Phase II, Xcel had argued that it would need to acquire almost 14,000 MW of new resources. Previously, Xcel saw its approved portfolio from the 2021 ERP/CEP as the largest in Colorado history, comprised of approximately 5,900 MW.

Now, Xcel is expected to move forward with the RFP through its Phase II framework under the ERP in a new 120-Day Report.

In the CPUC’s Phase II approval, it also greenlit Xcel to initiate the All-Source RFP with a base request for an RFP to acquire new generation and storage resources, as well as a supplemental RFP in 2027 to acquire additional resources through 2033, and a new ERP proceeding in 2028.

Additionally, Xcel would be allowed to activate backup resources in the incremental need pool as a way to quickly respond to changing circumstances, which would include potential federal changes, and allow Xcel to move forward immediately using a set amount of strategic reserve funds to begin the process of acquiring necessary transformers and breakers.

However, the CPUC denied Xcel’s request to approve an unconditional certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for a significant new transmission expansion in Southwest Colorado.