The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) encourages the public to submit feedback about the Black Hills Energy Feb. 17th Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), using the PUC’s Public Safety Power Shutoff online tool.
A PSPS is a temporary power outage implemented by electric utilities to reduce wildfire risk during dangerous weather conditions. When extreme winds, low humidity, and dry conditions create high fire danger, utilities may proactively shut off power to prevent their equipment from sparking and igniting wildfires. While these shutoffs protect communities from catastrophic fires, they can significantly impact customers.
The PUC is currently working on new rules addressing Public Safety Power Shutoffs and is seeking input from customers, nonprofits, local governments, emergency managers, and other stakeholders as it develops these rules. To date, the PUC has received thousands of comments from those impacted by Xcel Energy’s PSPS events in December and January.
The PSPS event was implemented for Pueblo, Crowley, Otero and Fremont counties by Black Hills on Feb. 17. Additionally, the area of Westcliffe has been placed on a “PSPS Watch” by Black Hills.
Ways to provide public comment include:
Submitting PSPS feedback and taking a survey through the PUC’s online Public Safety Power Shutoff feedback tool
Emailing comments to dora_puc_comments@state.co.us
Mailing to the Commission’s offices at: Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
Calling (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options)
Note: please use the Proceeding No 26M-0037E when providing comment
For more information:
Black Hills Energy: Visit Black Hills Energy PSPS webpage and Black Hills Outages webpage
PUC: Visit PUC PSPS webpage; and use Proceeding No. 26M-0037E in E-Filings on the PUC website, puc.colorado.gov.