Colorado Springs Utilities has announced the installation of new equipment on power poles across its service area as part of its ongoing Wildfire Mitigation Plan. The initiative aims to improve both community safety and the reliability of the electrical system.
The newly installed hardware enables operators to remotely adjust recloser settings from a central control center. The communication system supporting this upgrade uses a combination of radio, cellular, fiber, and satellite technologies depending on the location of each power line. This approach allows teams to access real-time data from even the most remote areas within the utility’s network.
A recloser is described by Colorado Springs Utilities as a device similar to a smart circuit breaker. It detects faults such as tree branches touching power lines, briefly shuts off electricity, and then attempts to restore it automatically if possible.
During periods of high wind or “red flag” weather events, operators can implement Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) by making reclosers more sensitive. In these conditions, if a fault occurs, the recloser will not try to restore power automatically. According to Colorado Springs Utilities: “This is a deliberate choice to prioritize community safety and minimize the risk of a catastrophic wildfire, rather than to restore power immediately.”
The utility acknowledged that customers may experience temporary outages due to these enhanced safety settings but emphasized their importance for public protection. The advanced technology also allows for quick restoration of normal operations once hazardous weather passes.
“This intelligent, adaptive system is a significant step forward in our efforts to build a more resilient and responsive electrical grid for our entire community,” stated Colorado Springs Utilities.
For additional details about this initiative, customers are encouraged to review the full Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
