Xcel Energy is preparing for severe weather conditions in Colorado, with strong winds and an increased risk of wildfires expected to begin Tuesday, February 17. The company cites historically low snowpack, unusually warm and dry weather, and very dry vegetation as factors that could contribute to the spread of large wildfires.
The risk of wildfire is anticipated to rise as strong winds may damage power lines and cause outages. These conditions are expected to peak on Tuesday and continue through Thursday.
To address these risks, Xcel Energy will activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across eastern Colorado over the next 48-72 hours. When EPSS is in use, power lines become more sensitive and can immediately stop the flow of electricity if an issue is detected, such as a tree branch touching the line. “These settings do not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power. If there is an outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line.” According to Xcel Energy, crews must visually inspect power lines before restoring service, which could lead to longer outages if they occur.
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), which involves shutting off power in targeted areas when wildfire risks are extremely high, is not currently being considered. The company states that current forecasts do not meet PSPS criteria but warns that customers may still experience outages due to strong winds. Xcel Energy will continue monitoring weather conditions and adjust its wildfire mitigation actions as needed.
The company uses weather forecasts and other data sources to guide decisions aimed at protecting public safety. Key factors include high winds, low humidity, and dry ground fuels. These models are updated regularly so operations can be adjusted accordingly. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for parts of the region through Tuesday.
Xcel Energy encourages customers to prepare for potential wildfires and outages by reviewing their contact information in MyAccount and updating it if necessary. Customers who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity are advised to sign up for the Safe for Colorado program for additional support during severe weather events.
Customers should also build home emergency kits with essentials such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, batteries, backup phone chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food items, first aid kits, extension cords, manual can openers, instructions for manually opening electric doors like garage doors, and Xcel Energy contact numbers.
To report outages or check restoration status during storms or emergencies:
– Use the Xcel Energy mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play
– Visit xcelenergy.com/out
– Text OUT to 98936 or STAT for status updates
– Call 1-800-895-1999
Xcel Energy continues investing in its electric systems to reduce wildfire risk and limit disruptions’ size and duration. More tips on preparing for outages are available on their website.
“Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.”
“We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more cleaner power while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.”
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy provides electricity and gas across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For further information visit xcelenergy.com or follow them on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
