Xcel Energy has announced that it is activating Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across its Front Range service territory in Colorado in response to an upcoming weather event that poses an elevated wildfire risk. The company is urging customers in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, and East Denver counties to prepare for possible weather-related outages, especially on Monday when high winds are expected.
Despite the anticipated severe weather, Xcel Energy stated that it does not expect to implement any Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) at this time. “This decision comes as updated forecasting models indicate decreased windspeeds. However, this is still expected to be a significant weather event, and any outages occurring due to the weather could last for an extended period,” the company said.
The EPSS system allows power lines to automatically stop the flow of electricity if an issue such as a tree branch or other object makes contact with the line. According to Xcel Energy, “EPSS does 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.” Restoration efforts may take longer because crews must visually inspect lines before re-energizing them.
The company will be operating under escalated wildfire protocols on Monday. During this period, all field crews will follow specific procedures for vegetation management and core operations intended to reduce wildfire risk. Additional crews will be staged for rapid outage response, and drones along with other monitoring tools will be used to inspect power lines and support restoration efforts.
“Xcel Energy thanks customers for their patience and understanding as the company continue to take steps to reduce wildfire risk and keep its communities safe,” stated the company.
To help customers prepare for potential outages, Xcel Energy recommends that residents keep their account information updated via its website, where they can also find an outage map with real-time updates about service interruptions and estimated restoration times. The company encourages following its social media channels on X and Facebook for further updates.
Customers are advised to assemble emergency kits containing items such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, batteries, backup phone chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords, and instructions on manually operating electric doors. Those who rely on medical equipment requiring electricity should prepare backup power supplies; Xcel Energy will reach out directly to known medical customers in affected areas.
The utility continues investing in infrastructure upgrades aimed at minimizing wildfire risks and reducing both the size and duration of possible power disruptions. More preparedness tips are available through Xcel Energy’s online resources.
Outages can be reported through multiple channels: via the Xcel Energy mobile app available from Apple’s App Store or Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/outage; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Xcel Energy serves millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states from its headquarters in Minneapolis. The company describes itself as an industry leader in lowering carbon emissions and providing clean energy solutions at competitive prices. More information is available at xcelenergy.com or through their official social media accounts.
