PUC rolls out statutory tow-data collection; staff says about 160 carriers have responded

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission announced on Feb. 25 that it has launched a statutory tow-data collection system required by House Bill 24-1051, and that about 160 towing carriers had submitted responses since the system went live Jan. 1.

“We already have over a 160 responses,” said Nathan Riley, PUC transportation staff, as he described outreach and the stakeholder demonstration the agency held on Dec. 11 to walk industry members through the new submission process. Riley said staff is reviewing responses to ensure answers meet the data requirements.

Riley told the towing task force the statutory deadline for submission was Feb. 1 and that the commission has enforcement tools if carriers fail to comply. “When they’re up for renewal, they won’t be able to renew, and we can withhold their permit status,” he said, adding that fines could also be applied “in certain circumstances.”

Task force members pressed staff on low early compliance. John Connolly pointed to an industry size of more than 700 tow companies and said that only about 160 responses so far “is not very good,” urging strict consequences. Riley acknowledged early hiccups in the new system and said staff typically allows a short grace period but will follow up with reminders and enforcement as appropriate.

Several members raised usability concerns. Jennifer Henson said she had difficulty tying multiple company submissions to her permit when renewing and suggested a completion receipt or a flag on the PUC side to indicate compliance. Riley said staff has smoothed several issues since launch and would investigate adding a confirmation receipt or a check-mark feature that carriers could use when applying for permits.

Riley said the PUC is likely to use aggregated data rather than tie specific submissions to individual carriers for public reporting, and that the task force could expect some early aggregate snapshots by the May meeting if response volumes allow. He said the commission hopes the data will inform future policy and possible legislative or rulemaking actions.

The task force did not take any formal votes; Riley closed the meeting noting the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 6.