Protecting Coloradans from uncertainty due to lack of communication
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis sent a letter to Xcel Energy expressing his, and many Coloradans’, deep frustration with Xcel’s decision to proactively cut power, slow restoration of power, and insufficient communication to customers during Colorado's high-force wind storm on April 6, 2024.
“I share the disappointment and frustration of many fellow Coloradans who were and continue to be impacted by Xcel Energy Colorado’s decision to proactively de-energize parts of the electric system in anticipation of a significant wind storm the weekend of April 6, 2024,” wrote Governor Jared Polis in a letter to Xcel.
In his letter, Governor Polis expressed his thanks to the hard-working frontline workers who worked overtime to restore power in areas of wind damage and acknowledged the fire risk of high wind events while also calling for reforms to Xcel’s process to ensure future decisions are not made without proper cost analysis, customer communication, and transparency.
“During the days following the high winds event, I heard from many frustrated Coloradans who lost power for multiple days without clear indication from Xcel when it would be restored– from businesses that could not operate and lost perishable inventories and income, from hospitals that struggled to respond to vulnerable community members, and from schools that had to close all day Monday. Once again, the company failed to minimize outages and effectively communicate with customers about an upcoming change that would impact people’s regular lives,” the letter continued.
Governor Polis directed the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to seek reforms to protect customers in the event of future Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) including:
- Ensure PSPS decisions are made in the best interest of Coloradans including adequate communication allowing individuals and businesses to prepare, especially the most vulnerable Coloradans.
- Guarantee Coloradans receive timely, simple, and relevant information about outage locations, support services, and expected restoration timelines.
- Provide Coloradans with updated and more actionable maps that provide transparency on anticipated or current outages and service restoration activities.
- An investigation to understand how Xcel has fallen short in informing and protecting customers, businesses, and communities during the public safety power shutoff, and what additional strategies can improve operations in the future.
Governor Polis’s full letter to Xcel Energy Colorado.
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