The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is inviting the public to participate in a virtual hearing about proposed rules for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. PSPS events are used by utility companies as a wildfire prevention measure, aiming to reduce the risk of fires caused by downed power lines.
The virtual public comment hearing will take place on Wednesday, January 28, from 4 PM to 6 PM. The PUC welcomes input from all individuals, whether or not they have directly experienced a power shutoff.
In addition to attending the virtual event, people can share their feedback through several channels. Comments can be submitted via the PUC’s online feedback tool or survey, sent by email to dora_puc_comments@state.co.us, mailed to the PUC’s office at 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202, or provided orally by calling (303) 869-3490 with options in both English and Spanish. When submitting comments, participants should reference Proceeding No. 26M-0037E.
To learn more about Xcel Energy’s approach to PSPS and wildfire mitigation efforts approved by the PUC—including recent approval of undergrounding 50 miles of power lines—interested parties can visit the commission’s PSPS webpage or review additional details on Proceeding No. 26M-0037E using E-Filings on the PUC website at puc.colorado.gov.
“All public input is welcome regardless of whether you have directly experienced a shut off event,” according to information released by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
For further background, in June 2025 the PUC approved Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan that included steps such as placing certain power lines underground as part of ongoing efforts to prevent wildfires linked to electrical infrastructure.
