The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced a virtual public comment hearing to discuss proposed rules related to Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. These shutoffs are used by utility companies as a measure to reduce wildfire risks that can result from downed power lines.
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will be held online. The PUC encourages all members of the public to participate and provide input, regardless of whether they have experienced a power shutoff themselves.
“All public input is welcome regardless of whether you have directly experienced a shut off event,” the PUC stated.
In addition to participating in the virtual hearing, residents can submit feedback through several other channels. Comments may be submitted via the PUC’s online Public Safety Power Shutoff feedback tool, by email at dora_puc_comments@state.co.us, or by mail to the commission’s offices at 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202. Oral comments can also be left by calling (303) 869-3490 with options available in both English and Spanish. Those submitting comments are asked to reference Proceeding No. 26M-0037E.
Further information about Xcel Energy’s PSPS program is available on the PUC’s PSPS webpage. In June 2025, the PUC approved Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan which included measures such as undergrounding fifty miles of power lines (press release). Details regarding Proceeding No. 26M-0037E can be found using E-Filings on the PUC website.
