Committee approves Grid Optimization Act after amendments to reduce duplication for Tri-State

The Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee voted 7–1 to send House Bill 10-81, the Colorado Grid Optimization Act, to the Committee of the Whole after adopting two sponsor amendments designed to address utility and stakeholder concerns.

Sponsor Senator Roberts described the bill as a practical, technology-neutral approach that requires utilities to evaluate advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) — such as dynamic line ratings, advanced conductors and topology-optimization software — as part of their legally required 10-year transmission planning process. The bill also strengthens coordination with the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) and provides for transparent reporting to give legislative oversight.

A broad panel of clean-energy and conservation groups (including the Clean Air Task Force, Advanced Energy United, Nature Conservancy, Western Resource Advocates and Audubon Rockies) urged the committee to support the bill, saying ATTs can increase capacity on existing lines, lower costs, reduce wildfire risk and protect wildlife and communities. Witnesses cited examples of cost savings from conductor upgrades and dynamic ratings and emphasized the bill does not mandate deployment but requires consideration and documentation.

Tri-State (represented by Ryan Hubbard) raised concerns that Tri-State recently turned most transmission planning over to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and that duplicative independent analyses could create redundancies and costs. In response, Senator Roberts offered two stakeholder amendments: L008 clarifying that utilities should evaluate financing and cost-reduction strategies while preserving consideration of CETA bond financing; and L009 reducing duplication concerns for entities already operating under regional planning (like Tri-State/SPP) while ensuring Colorado receives adequate information on ATT consideration and deployment. Both amendments were adopted without objection.

Senator Ball moved the amended bill to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. The roll call recorded one 'no' vote (Senator Bazely) and otherwise passed 7–1. The committee placed the bill on the Committee of the Whole calendar for further consideration.

Next steps include Committee of the Whole consideration and, if passed, further proceedings before the full legislature.