Xcel Energy Colorado officials submitted an updated wildfire mitigation plan to state regulators on Thursday in response to the increased threat of wildfires across the state. This action follows an investigation by the Colorado Utilities Commission, which was initiated after the company’s decision to cut power to over 50,000 customers before a severe windstorm in April.
The revised wildfire mitigation plan, set to take effect in 2025 and last through 2027, aims to enhance the company’s efforts to protect the public from wildfires in Colorado. According to Xcel Energy Colorado President Robert Kenney, this updated plan signifies a significant evolution in their wildfire mitigation strategies.
Kenney emphasized the importance of proactive measures due to the changing wildfire landscape driven by climate change, stating that wildfires are now a year-round concern. The updated plan will enable Xcel Energy to make informed decisions and enhance the resilience of their system.
Xcel Energy Colorado president discusses new wildfire mitigation plan
The company will be implementing new safety settings for power lines and proactive shut off procedures as part of the plan, addressing concerns raised by customers in various counties and regions. Governor Jared Polis directed the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to investigate Xcel Energy’s decision to implement these power shutoffs.
While the company faced backlash for the preemptive outages, they maintain that their equipment was not responsible for sparking the destructive 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder County. With the lawsuit in motion, Xcel Energy continues to focus on public safety and customer support in their mitigation efforts.
The updated wildfire mitigation plan incorporates advanced technologies like AI and improved monitoring systems to detect wildfires more accurately. Xcel Energy also plans to upgrade power lines and undertake undergrounding where necessary to enhance public safety.
Kenney reassured customers that the company is committed to protecting the public and addressing the widespread issue of wildfires. The implementation of the plan is expected to take 12 to 18 months, with a projected increase in residential bills by 9.56% by 2028.
Xcel Energy files new wildfire mitigation plan fresh off power outage backlash
This article was originally published by Óscar Contreras at Scripps News Denver.
