Rate Hikes and Power Outages Proposed By Colorado Utility Company

If you feel like you just can't catch a break when it comes to your bills, you aren't alone and it doesn't appear there will be any relief in sight. Especially regarding your utility bill in Colorado if you are an Xcel Energy customer.

According to KDVR, Xcel Energy has submitted a proposal to increase residential utility bills by approximately 9.56 percent by 2028. Average residential customers could see an approximate increase of $8.88 per month when the full increase has gone into effect.

Xcel Energy Rate Increases and Power Shut Offs

Not only does the proposal suggest rate increases, but there is also the possibility of power outages too. This proposal gives the option for Xcel Energy to shut off power if it believes equipment can spark a wildfire.

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Xcel Energy has denied any involvement in being the second ignition point of the Marshall Fire in Boulder County, Colorado in December 2021 as the Boulder County Sheriff's Office investigation suggests. The Marshall Fire caused over $2 billion in damages when the fire, mixed with high wind gusts ripped through the county in a matter of hours on December 30, 2021.

Xcel Energy's proposed plan to increase rates and have the ability to shut off power is reported to cost around $1.9 billion with the following upgrades:

• The addition of hundreds of weather stations for more information near Xcel power lines.
• Early smoke detection with the use of artificial intelligence cameras.
• Updated schedule inspection of electrical poles and equipment in high-risk wildfire zones.
• Creating 3D maps of equipment and terrain in high-threat wildfire areas.
• Expansion of vegetation management in high-risk areas.
• Multi-year process of identification and replacement or upgrading. equipment, relocating certain power lines underground, replacement and repairing poles, and rebuilding transmission lines.
• Adding additional members to the wildfire risk team.

Xcel Energy's proposal will be reviewed by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. The public will be able to voice their opinion on the proposal during the approval process.