The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has agreed to a rehearingof a proposed settlement reached by XcelEnergy Inc. and three solar companies associated with the acquisitionof community solar gardens.

The PUC granted the request by the parties to reopen the recordafter rejecting an agreementaddressing implementation of Xcel Energy's community solar gardens program in March,according to a May 4 statement.

The settlement was rejected because it was deemed not in thepublic interest and was expected to increase energy costs for customers. The agreementwas entered into by Xcel Energy, SunShareLLC, Clean Energy CollectiveLLC and Community Solar Energy as part of the utility's 2014-2016 renewableenergy standard compliance plan.

The rehearing is scheduled for June 1.