The Colorado Public Utilities Commission proposed new rules Sept. 23 that would establish requirements for how utilities manage wildfire risk and implement emergency power shutoffs. The rules apply to Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy.
Under the proposed wildfire mitigation rules, utilities would be required to assess where fires could start from their equipment, compare different ways to reduce risk, and report on work completed and spending. Mitigation measures could include equipment inspections and replacement, tree trimming near power lines, and moving lines underground.
The public safety power shutoff rules would restrict utilities from using power cuts as a primary safety strategy. Utilities could only cut power during extreme fire weather when there is an immediate and severe wildfire risk. Utilities would have to notify the public when activating shutoffs and submit updated plans every three years based on lessons learned from previous shutoffs.
Colorado experienced its first public safety power shutoff in April 2024. The PUC said the new rules seek to ensure utilities explain which improvements are prioritized and why, and provide evidence of progress in reducing wildfire risk.
The commission invited public comment through Nov. 2, with a virtual hearing scheduled for Nov. 23. The full proposed rules are available online at the commission's website under proceeding number 26R-0355E.