Colorado PUC opens investigation into Xcel power shutdown | Business [Video]

When Xcel Energy decided to cut power to customers earlier this month, more than 168,000 people across nine front range counties endured traffic havoc when signals went down, sent to waste untold amounts of refrigerated goods and scaring medical patients who needed that power

Officials intentionally shut down some 600 miles of power lines to reduce the chances of a wind-sparked wildfire when gusts of up to 100 mph raced across Colorado’s Front Range April 6.

Xcel reported more than 110 power poles and 68,000 feet of wire were damaged by powerful winds.

On Monday, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission opened an investigation of the intentional shutdown, the first in Colorado history, pursuant to a letter from Gov. Jared Polis directing the PUC to “to seek reforms to protect customers in the event of future Public Safety Power Shutoffs.”

“I share the disappointment and frustration of many fellow Coloradans who …