Abysmal planning & communication by Xcel

We wanted to provide feedback to the PUC regarding the adverse effect Xcel's abysmal handling of the preemptive shut off and reactivation of our power had on us. My husband and I are seniors (76 and 66 years old) who have lived in a 12 year old townhouse in northeast Louisville for the past 9 years. During that time, our power has gone out maybe two times for very brief time periods (under an hour). On April 6, we received an email from Xcel at 10:06 am informing us of a temporary power shutoff beginning at 3 pm and lasting until at least 12 pm the following day. Thankfully, we just happened to read this email around 11 am. This was the first we had heard that Xcel was considering this action. Because of a recent issue with our very active sump pump, we scrambled to locate a backup power source for the pump to protect our finished basement from water damage. We were able to purchase a gas powered generator in Thornton. We literally started the generator for the first time at 3:10 and the power was cut at 3:15! It was an extremely stressful and grueling 42 hours keeping the generator running and fueled so that our basement didn't flood. It was also costly for us. We are angry and frustrated by Xcel's lack of planning and foresight of the impact their action had on their customers. We hope the PUC holds Xcel accountable for:

-The short notice and way Xcel communicated the preemptive shut off to customers.

-Shutting off power before winds were strong.

-Delay in restoring power.

-Lack of helpful or informative updates directly from Xcel or on their website.

-Why power lines and poles along Hwy 93 and Left Hand Canyon (basically in Boulder County!) still cannot withstand 100 mph winds.

-The inconsistent manner that Xcel chose to preemptively shut off power to communities and neighborhoods (no power outage in an adjoining neighborhood a block away, parts of downtown Louisville retained power throughout).

Thank you.