Unfair Monopoly of Power

I propose that a stiff fine is levied against any utility company that makes use of the PSPS function.A certain amount for every customer who is de-energized per hour paid into a fund that is used to compensate those affected for any inconvenience for the utility company failing to provide service.

Otherwise, what’s to stop Xcel from simply turning off the power whenever there is risk to their bottom line? Every other business has to figure out how to manage risk within the confines of the contract with their customers. Why does Xcel get to discharge this responsibility?

Xcel needs to be re-investing a large percentage of their profits into hardening the electric grid to be able to function properly in the climate and landscape that it services so that when high winds come again, it is not an emergency where we are forced to choose between electricity for our homes and businesses or a wild fire.

However, there is very little incentive for Xcel to make these improvements. Xcel, a private corporation, has virtually no accountability, even to their own customers--a luxury no other private business enjoys. If I had a choice in utility companies, I would be dropping Xcel immediately. But I don’t have a choice. And there is something wrong with a system that forces me to subscribe to a private company with no market competition.

They are even more insulated than our government. If I’m unhappy with my elected officials, I can cast my vote in the next election. I have no choice in my utility company.

They don’t have to worry about losing their customers if they don’t provide good service like any other normal business must do. There are no checks and balances on Xcel in the market. The only accountable authority is our government

Let’s just pause for a minute and take stock of what just happened. In the United States, the richest country in the world, in the middle of December, a public utility company voluntarily turned off electricity, including overnight, to tens of thousands of families and small businesses who rely on December spending to make ends meet.

Xcel has given us lip service, saying that they take this action very seriously. But until they spend their hefty profits to upgrade the grid, we have no choice but to look at their actions and conclude that they in fact, do NOT take that choice very seriously at all.

As a utility company, you have one job to do: provide electricity without starting a fire. Until Xcel is able to do that reliably, even through challenging weather events, shouldn’t they be reinvesting a huge amount of their profits into their infrastructure so they can fulfill that responsibility?

I’m sure it’s very complicated to bury electrical supply lines and upgrade power poles. I’m sure it’s very expensive. But so is my electric bill.

Xcel was able to mobilize crews and finance an upgrade to Smart meters on everyone's property (an upgrade I know I didn’t ask for). So I know they can do it if it benefits their business.

In my opinion, a fine for using the PSPS function is the only way to incentivize Xcel and other utilities to reinvest their profits and harden the grid in a meaningful and timely fashion.

Even as a paying customer, I am powerless in this matter. Please represent my concerns and stand up for us.