Xcel Energy Explains Wildfire Power Shutoffs to Rifle City Council
Xcel Energy representatives told Rifle City Council about wildfire-related power shutoffs in western Garfield County and concerns over communication with residents. Officials discussed a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff after April 20 warnings for an April 22 event, with outages possibly lasting 36 hours. Two accidental ignition points were identified—one from an unmoored Xcel powerline—along with plans including underground lines, vegetation management, AI wildfire cameras, and EPSS more sensitive line shutdowns requiring inspections