Following four significant power shutoffs within the past nine months, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is actively working to implement new regulations aimed at minimizing the impact of “Public Safety Power Shutoffs” (PSPS). These PSPS events are designed to reduce the risk of wildfires during high wind conditions.
This announcement came during a legislative hearing held by the Colorado House and Senate energy committees, where Xcel Energy President Robert Kenney was questioned regarding the shutoffs. Lawmakers expressed concerns about the consequences of these power interruptions, particularly for rural communities reliant on electricity for feeding livestock, as highlighted by Republican state Senator Byron Pelton. Democratic state Senator Tammy Story also pointed out the severe implications for individuals dependent on medical equipment.
In defense of Xcel’s practices, Kenney emphasized that the company resorted to power shutoffs only as a last measure, stating, “PSPS is not the go-to tool; it is a tool that we don’t want to use when the most extreme weather conditions dictate.” He elaborated on Xcel’s initiatives to decrease both the frequency and duration of shutoffs, such as burying 50 miles of power lines in high-risk areas, installing protective coverings on wires, and replacing vulnerable lines with reinforced alternatives. Additionally, Kenney mentioned the deployment of 120 high-tech cameras and 100 weather stations to detect fire threats and monitor conditions.
While the measures are indeed aimed at safeguarding public safety, the economic repercussions were voiced by Quinlynn Witucki, who highlighted a $200,000 loss for her family’s small business during a recent shutdown. She urged lawmakers to consider aiding small businesses affected by these decisions, especially given the support extended to large corporations.
The PUC has approved a substantial $2 billion wildfire mitigation strategy proposed by Xcel Energy, although Director Rebecca White cautioned that addressing the challenges posed by power shutoffs is far from over. She pointed out the high costs associated with safety upgrades, stating that it could cost approximately $4 million per mile to bury power lines, prompting discussions on how to balance safety concerns with financial impacts for ratepayers.
Xcel Energy projects that it would take around $15 billion and a decade to bury all 82,000 miles of distribution lines in Colorado. The PUC aims to finalize its regulations regarding power shutoffs by late summer or early fall, with an open invitation for public comments at an upcoming meeting scheduled for February 4.
This proactive approach by the PUC and Xcel could signal a positive shift towards enhancing the reliability of power services while addressing the pressing concerns of public safety and economic stability in Colorado.