The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is asking the public to provide feedback on the recent Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) carried out by Black Hills Energy on February 17. The PUC has made an online tool available for people to submit their comments about the event.
A PSPS is a temporary measure used by electric utilities to reduce wildfire risk during dangerous weather conditions. Utilities may turn off power when there are extreme winds, low humidity, and dry conditions that could lead to wildfires if equipment sparks. These shutoffs are intended to protect communities but can also have significant effects on customers.
The PUC is currently developing new rules related to PSPS events and wants input from customers, nonprofits, local governments, emergency managers, and other stakeholders as part of this process. According to the commission, thousands of comments have already been received from those affected by Xcel Energy’s PSPS events in December and January.
On February 17, Black Hills implemented a PSPS for Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, and Fremont counties. The area of Westcliffe was also placed under a “PSPS Watch” by Black Hills.
Members of the public can provide feedback in several ways: through the PUC’s online feedback tool; by emailing dora_puc_comments@state.co.us; mailing comments to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission at 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202; or calling (303) 869-3490 for oral comments in English or Spanish. Comments should reference Proceeding No 26M-0037E.
For more information about Black Hills Energy’s PSPS program or outages, individuals can visit the company’s Public Safety Power Shutoff webpage or Outages webpage. Additional details about the PUC’s process are available on its website, where proceeding documents can be found using Proceeding No. 26M-0037E.
