Public Service Company of Colorado Submits Revised Emergency Action Plan to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Strategic Insights -

Public Service Company of Colorado, in response to a request from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Regional Office, has revised its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the Cascade Creek Flume Tacoma Project. A recent flume failure in May 2025 led the company to re-evaluate the necessity of an EAP, which must provide early warning to inhabitants and property owners in the vicinity of a potential emergency. Instead, the company proposes developing an Emergency Checklist, which would include contact information for internal and external agencies, residents, and property owners, as well as activities to occur in the event of a failure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) has submitted a revised Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Regional Office.
  • The company's previous analysis indicated that a hypothetical failure of the Cascade Creek Flume may result in some property damage, but no loss of life is expected.
  • However, the recent May 2025 flume failure, which occurred without warning, led PSCo to reconsider the necessity of an EAP.
  • PSCo proposes to develop an Emergency Checklist, which would include contact information for affected parties, as well as activities to occur in the event of a failure.
  • The checklist would be evaluated annually and updated as needed.
  • If approved, the initial checklist would be included in the 2025 annual update of the Tacoma Project EAP.

Statistics:

  • The Cascade Creek Flume is located in a remote area with limited warning time for potential emergencies.
  • The May 2025 flume failure occurred without warning, highlighting the need for alternative emergency response strategies.
  • The proposed Emergency Checklist would include contact information for internal and external agencies, residents, and property owners.
  • The checklist would also include activities to occur in the event of a failure, such as closing the Forest Road that parallels the flume.
  • The annual evaluation and update of the checklist would ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

Sources:

  • Public Service Company of Colorado's submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) (E-Filed October 28, 2025)
  • 18 CFR 12.20 (b)(2), which governs the design of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
  • The U.S. Forest Service, which will work with PSCo to close the Forest Road in the event of a failure.
  • Dean S. Steines, PE, Chief Dam Safety Engineer, Public Service Company of Colorado
  • Donald B. Lopez, PE, Deputy Chief Dam Safety Engineer, Public Service Company of Colorado
  • https://elibrary.ferc.gov