KDVR – Xcel EnergyThe company announced on Friday the expansion of work and programs to reduce the risk of massive fires, which were approved by the Colorado Public Facilities Committee.
The plan was approved on Thursday, and Xcel Energy-Colorado Robert Kenney said it allows the company to implement projects to protect customers and societies from the risk of forest fires.
“We have worked closely with a large alliance of stakeholders who represent clients, companies, government and agencies to develop a plan designed to preserve our customers and our societies safe, while maintaining low bills,” Kenny said.
Xcel said 2025-2027 Massive fire mitigation plan It determines the goals and methods of reporting to improve the delivery of better mitigation work with customers and societies, including during events such as closing public safety energy to prevent potential ignition from active electrical facilities.
Below are the proposed investments and improvements that Xcel:
- Consciousness of the biggest situation:Apply advanced fireworks tools and analysis, add weather stations and triple artificial intelligence cameras to detect early smoke.
- Technology -supporting inspections:Speeding inspections in firefighting areas in the wildfire using air and drones.
- Infrastructure improvements:A multi -year program for upgrade underground equipment and power lines and rebuilding lines.
- Vegetable Cover Management:Expanding efforts in high -risk areas with new criteria for inspection and pruning.
- The safety settings of the PowerLine line:Increased safety settings, traditional lines and adding new technology.
- Public Safety Energy Closing Program:Providing interactive interruption maps, suggesting a reserve energy discount and improving customer support and communication.
- Organizational growth:Expanding the Gash Fire Risk Team by improving meteorological capabilities, firefighting, risk management and analyzes.
“This is an important step towards making our society safer and more flexible in the face of increasing forest fire threats,” said Nuria Rivera-Vandermid, Director of the City of Bulder. “With the approval of the Public Utilities Committee, we are happy to see this plan moving forward. I am proud of the work that our city team has done to ensure the voices of our society – and our neighboring societies – to help formulate a plan that protects people and places that are better at risk.”
The company said that the plan is also designed to maintain low customer bills by “delivering the company’s qualified investments.”
XCEL said the plan was verbally approved and PUC is expected to issue a written decision later this summer.