Xcel Energy is preparing for severe weather conditions in Colorado, with strong winds and an increased risk of wildfires expected to begin on Tuesday, February 17. The company notes that historically low snowfall, combined with unusually warm and dry weather and very dry vegetation, could contribute to large and fast-spreading wildfires.
The risk of wildfires is expected to rise as strong winds increase the likelihood of damage to power lines, which may result in power outages. These weather conditions are forecasted to peak on Tuesday and continue through Thursday.
To reduce wildfire risks and keep customers safe, Xcel Energy will activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) in eastern Colorado over the next 48-72 hours. “When EPSS is activated, power lines become more sensitive and can instantly stop the flow of electricity if a problem is detected, such as a tree branch or another object touching the line,” according to the company. “These adjustments do not mean that the company has proactively shut off a customer’s electricity. If there is an outage while these settings are active, it is due to an issue on the power line.”
If a power outage occurs under these settings, electricity will remain off until crews can visually inspect the lines to ensure it is safe to restore service. This process may result in longer outages than usual.
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), where electricity is cut for a limited time in high-risk areas when wildfire threats are extreme and other measures like EPSS are insufficient, is not currently being considered by Xcel Energy. The company believes current weather conditions are unlikely to meet PSPS criteria but will continue monitoring forecasts and mitigation actions.
Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and data sources to determine how best to protect public safety. Factors such as strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry soil conditions play key roles in their risk models. The company’s forecast aligns with the National Weather Service’s Fire Weather Watch for parts of the region through Tuesday.
Customers are encouraged by Xcel Energy to prepare for possible wildfires and power outages now. They should review their contact information in My Account and update preferences if needed. Customers who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity should consider enrolling in Xcel’s Safe for Colorado program for additional support.
“For customers who have medical equipment dependent on electric service, please take steps now to prepare backup power supplies in case outages occur,” stated Xcel Energy. “We will directly contact qualifying medical customers in affected areas about severe weather forecasts and potential impacts.”
The company also recommends several steps for all customers:
– Stay informed by ensuring account information is up-to-date.
– Check outage status using Xcel Energy’s statewide outage map.
– Prepare an emergency kit with battery-powered radios or flashlights, spare batteries, backup phone chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords (for partial outages), instructions for manually opening electric doors like garage doors, alarm clocks that do not require electricity, and relevant phone numbers: (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for businesses.
– Keep phones charged ahead of possible outages.
Customers can report outages through multiple channels: via Xcel Energy’s mobile app available from Apple App Store or Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/out; texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or calling 1-800-895-1999 using automated prompts.
Xcel Energy continues investing in its electrical systems aiming both at reducing wildfire risks as well as limiting outage size and duration across its eight-state service area including Minnesota, Colorado,Wisconsin, Michigan,North Dakota, South Dakota,New Mexico, and Texas.
“Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence,” according to company information provided. “We work every day from our headquarters in Minneapolis generating and distributing electricity and gas.” More details about services can be found at xcelenergy.com or via social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
