Si necesita asistencia en español, por favor envíe un e-mail al Energy Outreach Colorado al EV@energyoutreach.org.
Communities, neighborhood organizations, and businesses in areas that have not already been identified as Higher Emission Communities (HECs) may apply for designation using the application form below.
Applicants do not need to have a specific project identified but must demonstrate both environmental burden and the presence of disproportionately impacted populations at the area they are seeking to designate. Applicants can use any combination of publicly available or locally specific data, anecdotal evidence, photographs, and other visuals to support their application. Application support is available through Partners in Energy for English speaking applicants. Spanish speaking applicants can receive support through Energy Outreach Colorado by emailing EV@energyoutreach.org. For those speaking other languages please reach out to Partners in Energy to be connected with additional resources.
Step 1: Prepare an Application
- Applicant may receive support preparing an application for HEC designation from Partners in Energy or Energy Outreach Colorado (Spanish speaking)
- Define location for designation (e.g. property address, Census block group)
- Demonstrate environmental burden (e.g. using Colorado EnviroScreen, location-specific data, or anecdotal evidence)
- Identify disproportionately impacted populations through demonstration of the following characteristics: low income, communities of color or a history of environmental racism (e.g. using Colorado EnviroScreen, Census data, or locally-specific data)
- Describe how HEC designation will increase electric vehicle access or provide other benefits to the disproportionately impacted population.
Step 2: Submit an Application to Xcel Energy
Applications for HEC designation are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. They should be submitted to EVapplications@xcelenergy.com. There are quarterly application cut-off dates for inclusion in each 60-day notice issued by Xcel Energy for consideration of new HEC designations.
Application Cutoff Dates
- March 31, 2022 (closed)
- June 30, 2022 (closed)
- September 30, 2022 (closed)
- December 30, 2022 (closed)
- March 31, 2023
- June 30, 2023
Xcel Energy may contact you for additional information following submission of your application.
Step 3: 60-day Notice Issued, Comments Received and Decision
- Approximately 30 days after the cuttoff dates, Xcel Energy will issue quarterly 60-day notices with recommendations for approval or rejection of applications for new HEC designation.
- External comments through the 60-day notice process will be due 30 days after the notice is posted.
- Xcel Energy will file a final recommendation on new HEC designations approximately 30 days after the closing of the external comment period. Xcel Energy will notify the applicant of the decision. The Commission can respond at this point with a “Notice of Deficiency” if they are not satisfied with the final recommendation, which could add additional time to the process. Ultimately, iIf the application is not approved as a new HEC designation the applicant can reapply for the next filing period.