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Xcel, county spar over wildfire mitigation, cameras and potential conditions in PUC hearing on Segment 5
Summary
Company witnesses told the PUC that engineering standards, a 2025–27 wildfire mitigation plan and high‑speed transmission protections would address wildfire risk for Segment 5, and that Panorama AI cameras and other measures give broad coverage; county staff said the company’s May 7 county‑specific file was not sufficiently detailed and urged a post‑approval site development plan and stronger coordination with local volunteer fire districts.
Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy) defended its wildfire mitigation measures, equipment and outreach at a Colorado Public Utilities Commission evidentiary hearing on Feb. 5, 2026, saying the company follows industry standards and has several operational layers to reduce fire risk on Segment 5 of the Colorado Power Pathway.
Company witnesses described the 2025–27 wildfire mitigation plan and multiple operational tools intended to reduce ignition risk: sensitive relay protection and high‑speed tripping on transmission terminals, non‑reclose operation in high‑risk periods, routine helicopter and ground vegetation inspections, and coordination with emergency responders. "The company's position is that it follows applicable industry and engineering standards to appropriately minimize the risk of wildfire associated with transmission facilities," said a…
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