Overreliance on Power Shutoffs and Unjustified Rate Increases

It has become increasingly clear that prolonged shutdowns are not an effective or sustainable approach to fire mitigation. There are proven alternatives Xcel should be prioritizing, including targeted undergrounding of high-risk line segments, aggressive vegetation management, improved sectionalizing and more precise shutdowns, and the development of local microgrids.

Additionally, the proposed nearly 10% rate increase should not be approved. Xcel has not demonstrated sufficient investment in infrastructure improvements to justify such a request. The company earns billions in annual profits, and further increasing rates places a significant financial burden on Colorado families who have no alternative but to rely on this essential service.