XCEL - 50+ Years of Incompetence

There is absolutely no justification for the incompetence of Xcel over the past 50+ years in designing and constructing an electrical grid that is incapable of withstanding long-known, routine environmental conditions.

I have resided in Boulder since late 1967. During the first decade of my residence (1967-1977), we routinely experienced Winter/Spring Chinooks in the 130 MPH range, this was not uncommon. Therefore, for over fifty (50) years, Xcel has constructed electrical supply systems in a known extremely high wind environment. Their current necessity to shut off power due to fire potential from wind damage to their electrical supply system is clear evidence of malfeasance in their design and construction operations. They have designed and implemented an electrical grid that is inadequate for the existing environmental conditions.

For the last 50 years, at a minimum, Xcel should have been constructing their network in a manner that would withstand 157 MPH, CATEGORY 5 winds by utilizing robust above-ground components and burying new power lines as the standard practice. They should have also been undertaking a systematic program of retroactively burying older, above-ground lines. The current need to shut off power in winds substantially less severe than those historically experienced is prima facie evidence of mismanagement, malfeasance, or incompetence.

What should the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) do about this?

Recognize that the current problem is one that Xcel created.

Given that the problem is of Xcel’s own making, it should be their responsibility, at their own expense, to rectify it.

Furthermore, Xcel should be required to:

- Underground bury all new secondary and downward lines (those below 18,000 volts);

- Replace all existing above-ground secondary (and downward) lines with underground lines;

- Replace all above-ground grid components with equipment that has been proven to withstand 157+ MPH winds and blown debris;

- For the next decade, Xcel should offer its customers the opportunity to install a whole-house, battery, or backup generator system for their residence at a cost that is XX% off the manufacturer’s cost, and financed over a 20-year term through their Xcel invoicing at no interest.

Finally, Xcel must implement fast trip disconnects that automatically shut down the electrical grid in small (less than 500 customer?) groupings. These disconnects should be remotely set to not automatically reset during high wind periods when a ground fault is detected.