The Colorado government meeting held on November 6, 2024, focused on the Public Service Company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan, particularly the implementation of microgrids and their role in enhancing community resilience against disasters.

The discussion began with an overview of the collaboration between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Public Service Company to address the need for reliable backup power sources. It was noted that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates a minimum of eight hours of backup power, regardless of the energy source. The emphasis was placed on allowing grantees to define their critical loads without direct audits from the agency, although support is provided through referrals to contractors for optimal design assessments.

Commissioner Goeman raised concerns about the proactive measures being taken to prepare communities for emergencies, such as wildfires or public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). He highlighted the importance of understanding community vulnerabilities and establishing plans for shelter and power access during emergencies. The conversation shifted towards the need for a coordinated approach across various communities to ensure preparedness.

In response, officials acknowledged the necessity of a proactive disaster management strategy. They emphasized that while some communities are beginning to engage in these discussions, many vulnerable areas remain underserved. The microgrid roadmap aims to prioritize outreach to these high-need regions, utilizing metrics to identify social and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

The officials confirmed that they facilitate community engagement in assessing their vulnerabilities and developing tailored plans, although the responsibility ultimately lies with local governments and utilities. They expressed a commitment to providing guidance and resources to assist smaller communities in creating effective disaster response strategies.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the varying levels of community participation and awareness regarding disaster preparedness. The officials reiterated the importance of collaboration and the need for a structured roadmap to help all communities, especially smaller ones, in developing their emergency plans.