Xcel Energy has announced it will implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in northern Colorado starting at approximately 8 a.m. on Friday, affecting about 9,000 customers in Larimer and Weld counties. The decision comes as the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the area due to strong winds expected to reach up to 65 mph, low humidity, and dry ground conditions.
The company said that high winds increase the risk of damage to power infrastructure and may cause additional outages beyond those planned under the PSPS. Xcel Energy also noted that Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) will be active across affected areas, which could result in outages even for customers not directly included in the PSPS event.
“Customers who are not expected to be part of the PSPS event may still experience outages due to the severe weather or Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), which will be active across affected areas. Customers are encouraged to report any damage they see to power lines, stay clear of downed lines, and if they are outside the PSPS area, to report their outage,” according to Xcel Energy.
Weather conditions are anticipated to improve by around 4 p.m., but restoration efforts will only begin once wind speeds decrease and fire risks subside. Restoration may take from several hours up to several days because crews must inspect entire power lines before re-energizing them. Teams from across Colorado will work extended shifts overnight Friday into Saturday until service is restored.
“Xcel Energy recognizes a significant number of customers are likely to experience an outage and that such events are highly disruptive. The company’s goal is to limit impacts as much as possible while effectively managing high wildfire risk and will continue to communicate updates through the event, including outage and restoration information. Customers can look up their address online to find out whether they may be subject to a PSPS event,” stated Xcel Energy.
Customers have multiple options for reporting outages: using the Xcel Energy mobile app available via Apple App Store or Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/out; texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or calling 1-800-895-1999 with access to an automated reporting system.
To prepare for potential outages, Xcel Energy recommends keeping phones charged and assembling an emergency kit with items such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, backup chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords, instructions for manually opening electric doors like garage doors, and relevant phone numbers. Customers who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity should make preparations for extended outages; Xcel Energy plans additional outreach for qualifying medical customers.
“Stay Informed
Xcel Energy will provide updates for this specific weather event on its website. Customers can check the outage map for up-to-date information on outages and estimated restorations times, when available. They should make sure their account information and communications preferences are up-to-date in My Account.”
Further safety tips and real-time updates during severe weather events can be found on Xcel Energy’s Event Update webpage.
The company says it continues investing in systems designed both to reduce wildfire risk and minimize disruptions caused by necessary power shutoffs.
