The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is inviting public feedback regarding the recent Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) carried out by Black Hills Energy on February 17. The PSPS, which affected Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, and Fremont counties, was implemented as a measure to reduce wildfire risk during hazardous weather conditions. Additionally, Westcliffe has been placed under a “PSPS Watch” by Black Hills.
A PSPS is a temporary power outage initiated by electric utilities when extreme winds, low humidity, and dry conditions increase the likelihood of wildfires. These outages are intended to prevent utility equipment from sparking fires but can have significant effects on customers.
The PUC is in the process of developing new rules for how such shutoffs are managed and is seeking input from various groups including customers, nonprofits, local governments, emergency managers, and other stakeholders. Thousands of comments have already been received related to similar events involving Xcel Energy in December and January.
Public comments can be submitted through several channels: the PUC’s online Public Safety Power Shutoff feedback tool; email at dora_puc_comments@state.co.us; mail addressed to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission at 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202; or by phone at (303) 869-3490 with options available in English and Spanish. Commenters are asked to reference Proceeding No 26M-0037E.
For additional information about Black Hills Energy’s PSPS actions or ongoing outages visit their Public Safety Power Shutoff webpage or Outages webpage. More details about the PUC’s work on this issue can be found on its website, where stakeholders can also use Proceeding No. 26M-0037E in E-Filings.
“While these shutoffs protect communities from catastrophic fires, they can significantly impact customers,” according to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
