Power outages are more than just an inconvenience—they’re a lifeline issue for businesses, especially in wildfire-prone areas like Colorado. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Xcel Energy promises solutions, business owners are left counting their losses, wondering if enough is being done to prevent future disruptions. Denver7 recently brought these concerns directly to Xcel Energy’s top leadership in Colorado, shedding light on the struggles faced by local entrepreneurs like Jason Gaona, owner of Me Oh My Coffee and Pie in Laporte.
During the latest round of planned public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), Gaona relied on extension cords and generators to keep his doors open. Despite being more prepared this time, he admitted, ‘It’s still stressful. We stuff everything into fridges and freezers and run generators until the power comes back.’ This wasn’t his first rodeo—in the past two years alone, he’s endured four major outages. ‘It’s hard to believe they’ve all happened so recently,’ he told Denver7.
And this is the part most people miss: the financial toll. Some Boulder businesses reported losses exceeding $100,000 during a December outage, according to a survey. Even with customers trickling in, Gaona’s bottom line took a hit. ‘If this becomes the new normal, I’d like to see more long-term solutions, like burying power lines for businesses that rely on peak hours,’ he suggested.
When Denver7 presented these concerns to Xcel Energy Colorado President Robert Kenney, he acknowledged the need for action. ‘We’re exploring targeted undergrounding and have a wildfire mitigation plan filed with the PUC, which includes upgrading infrastructure with more resilient poles and wires,’ Kenney explained. But is it enough?
Here’s the bold question: Are utilities like Xcel Energy moving fast enough to protect both public safety and the livelihoods of business owners? While replacing infrastructure is a step in the right direction, the frequency of outages raises doubts about the effectiveness of current measures.
In the meantime, Gaona remains hopeful, focusing on serving hot coffee and breakfast by Saturday morning. ‘I’m optimistic we’ll get power back today and can reset,’ he said. But for how long?
This story isn’t just about power outages—it’s about resilience, accountability, and the future of communities. What do you think? Are utilities doing enough to balance safety with economic stability? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that matters.
