Xcel natural-gas rate hike would fund distribution-system upgrades

In this file photo, crews replace natural-gas pipelines near Lemay Avenue in Fort Collins as part of Xcel Energy’s ongoing project to upgrade its natural-gas distribution pipeline system throughout Colorado. The energy supplier is asking the Public Utilities Commission to approve a rate hike for natural gas to help offset the cost of several projects in the state that began in 2012 and are expected to be completed by 2017. Courtesy Xcel Energy Inc.