Community Digest Events Calendar Gold Hill Fire Department » Public Safety Shutoffs by Xcel, PUC Hearing Wednesday

Public Safety Shutoffs by Xcel, PUC Hearing Wednesday

Posted on: January 27th, 2026

Hello,

The Public Utilities Commission is holding a hearing on the Public Safety Shutoffs by Xcel (See Below).  I would encourage all who would be willing, to respond.  The PUC is also aware of the situation that we lose emergency communications when the power goes out.  

Please include comments about how long you were without power during this last shutoff, how power outages affect you in your personal life, i.e. medical equipment, etc., and how losing emergency communications during power outages affects you.  Any other issues you experience are also welcome to be heard.

We, as Boulder County Communities,  are working with our local, state and national legislators about the emergency communications situation. 

Thank you for your continued support on this important issue.  

Rich Caudill

Fire Chief

DORA PUC Lockup  

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 21, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Megan Castle
P: 303-513-2713
megan.castle@nullstate.co.us
puc.colorado.gov

Colorado Public Utilities Commission Holds Virtual Public Safety Power Shutoff Public Comment Hearing

Public Invited to Virtual PSPS Public Comment Hearing, Jan. 28

Denver ~ The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) invites the public to join a virtual public comment hearing on new, proposed rules addressing Public Safety Power Shutoff events. A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a wildfire mitigation tool used by utility companies to limit the risk of wildfire ignition due to downed power lines. 

All public input is welcome regardless of whether you have directly experienced a shut off event. 

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Virtual Public Comment Hearing, Proceeding No. 26M-0037E:

  • When: 4 PM – 6 PM, Wednesday, Jan. 28
  • Register here  

Other 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@nullstate.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: 

  • To learn more about Xcel Energy’s Public Power Safety Shutoff, visit the PUC’s PSPS webpage: Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) 
  • The PUC approved Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan in June 2025 – clickhere for the press release that highlights some of the mitigations, including approving undergrounding 50 miles of lines. 

For more information on Proceeding No 26M-0037E, use E-Filings on the PUC website, puc.colorado.gov.  

About the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) 

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state. Learn more athttps://puc.colorado.gov/

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