Xcel Energy has mobilized hundreds of crew members to begin inspecting and repairing power lines after a severe wind event caused widespread outages in Colorado. The company announced that extreme fire weather conditions, including high winds, are expected to persist until midnight and possibly into early Saturday morning. These conditions may cause additional outages through Saturday.
Restoration times will depend on ongoing weather and the extent of system damage. Xcel Energy anticipates that many customers will have power restored by Sunday, December 21 at noon, but some may remain without service into Monday. Customers will receive direct updates about restoration in their area by Saturday morning.
“The safety of crew members is paramount as they work to restore power. Xcel Energy asks customers to help keep crew members safe as they work diligently to restore power as quickly as possible,” the company stated.
Unplanned outages outside of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are also possible due to the high winds. Xcel Energy urges customers to avoid downed power lines and report any damage or hazards they observe.
The PSPS events are designed to reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety by shutting off power when weather conditions—such as high winds, low humidity, and dry ground—pose an increased fire danger. The company uses forecasts and other data sources when deciding whether to initiate a PSPS event.
Customers with underground power lines or no visible local damage can still be affected by outages because their neighborhoods are connected to the larger grid.
To support those impacted by outages, Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to open resource centers offering phone charging stations and emergency supplies at several locations across Colorado:
– Carmody Middle School – 2050 S. Kipling St., Lakewood (open 24 hours)
– Gilpin County School – 10595 Highway 119, Black Hawk (open 24 hours)
– Evergreen Fire Station – 1802 Bergen Pkwy., Evergreen (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
– Health and Wellness Center – 1969 Miner St., Idaho Springs (Saturday only, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
– Berthoud Fire Station – 248 Welch Ave., Berthoud (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Xcel Energy REDTrucks will be present at these centers for additional support. Individuals needing food assistance can use the Find Food Map online for resources in their communities.
Customers are encouraged to report outages or damaged equipment using several methods: via the Xcel Energy mobile app; online at xcelenergy.com/out; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999 for quick automated reporting.
Updates on this weather event will be posted on Xcel Energy’s website, where customers can check outage maps for real-time information. The company recommends keeping account details up-to-date in My Account and following official social media channels for further updates.
For preparation during extended outages, customers should keep devices charged and assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food items, first aid kits, manual can openers, extension cords, backup chargers, non-electric phones or alarm clocks, manufacturer instructions for manually opening powered doors like garage doors, and key contact numbers for residential or business support.
Those relying on medical equipment that needs electricity should take steps now in case of prolonged service interruptions.
Since launching its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy has invested in upgrades aimed at reducing wildfire risks—including replacing over eight thousand distribution poles in 2024 alone—and inspected thousands more poles and miles of transmission lines while completing priority repairs and installing new substation protection relays across its network.
“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, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.”
