safety
Opinion | O’Neil: Holy Cross Energy committed to wildfire mitigation
By Cody O'Neil Valley Voices at Vail Daily
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is committed to safely providing reliable electric power services to our more than 46,500 cooperative members throughout the Eagle, Roaring Fork, and Colorado River valleys. This commitment extends to taking all the steps we can to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from...
Key takeaway HCE’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan (available at holycross.
Why this matters in Aspen News
In Pitkin County, where Aspen is located, the risk of wildfire is a constant concern, particularly during dry months. Holy Cross Energy's commitment to wildfire mitigation is crucial for the safety of residents and visitors alike. The utility company's efforts to track variables defining wildfire risk, such as temperature and humidity, and to use drone flights and thermal inspections to identify and replace aging equipment, are particularly relevant in the Elk Mountains, where Aspen sits at about 7,900 feet. The company's partnership with local authorities to deploy a network of fire cameras will also aid in rapid response to fires in the area. As the city of Aspen and surrounding areas continue to experience hot and dry conditions, Holy Cross Energy's fire safety settings, which can result in more frequent service disruptions, may become a necessary precaution to prevent wildfires, especially in high-risk zones along the Roaring Fork River.
About this story
Original reporting by Vail Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Vail Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Vail Daily ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Holy Cross Energy (HCE) is committed to safely providing reliable electric power services to our more than 46,500 cooperative members throughout the Eagle, Roaring Fork, and Colorado River valleys. This commitment extends to taking all the steps we can to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Vail Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cody O'Neil Valley Voices at Vail Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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