Residents urge Colorado Commission to prioritize underground power lines and microgrids

In a recent Colorado government meeting, discussions surrounding Excel Energy's wildfire mitigation plan took a critical turn, with experts advocating for a shift towards underground power lines and microgrids as more effective solutions. The meeting highlighted concerns that Excel's current focus on line hardening and aging infrastructure may not significantly reduce wildfire risks, as evidenced by recent fires caused by birds getting electrocuted on power lines.

Experts argued that while line hardening is cost-effective at the transmission level, undergrounding power lines in high fire risk areas proves to be more beneficial in the long run. "Underground lines have far lower maintenance costs than overhead lines," one speaker noted, emphasizing that the upfront costs are outweighed by reduced outage costs and fewer mechanical failures. This sentiment was echoed by Leslie Glustrom, a long-time advocate, who criticized Excel's approach as outdated and profit-driven, urging the commission to consider the long-term implications of their decisions.

The meeting also underscored the need for a holistic approach to wildfire mitigation, with calls for integrating microgrids into Excel's plan. Microgrids could provide reliable power during high-risk periods, ensuring that customers remain connected even when primary lines are de-energized. "By focusing on microgrids, Colorado can direct funding to simultaneously mitigate wildfire risk, improve reliability, and advance the state towards its renewable goals," one expert stated.

As Colorado aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the urgency for a modernized energy infrastructure is clear. Stakeholders expressed that customers are willing to pay more for underground lines, which are not only safer but also more reliable. The consensus among experts is that Excel should prioritize these solutions to meet the evolving needs of Coloradans, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.

The meeting concluded with a call for the commission to rethink its strategies and invest in a 21st-century energy model that prioritizes sustainability and reliability over outdated practices. As the state grapples with the realities of climate change, the discussions signal a pivotal moment for Colorado's energy future.