Xcel Energy has initiated a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for approximately 9,000 customers in Larimer and Weld counties in northern Colorado due to extreme wildfire risk. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning as strong winds with gusts up to 70 mph, low humidity, and dry ground conditions have created an increased threat of wildfires.
The company warned that strong winds could damage power poles and cause additional outages beyond those directly affected by the PSPS. Customers outside the designated shutoff area may still experience outages from severe weather or Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), which are active in the region. Xcel Energy urged residents to report any observed damage to power lines and avoid downed wires.
Power restoration efforts will not begin until wind speeds decrease and fire risks lessen, which is expected after 4 p.m. Restoration could take several hours or even days, as crews must inspect each line before re-energizing it. “Crew members from across Colorado will work extended 16-hour shifts overnight Friday into Saturday to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” according to the company statement. Most customers are expected to have service restored today, with nearly all expected back online by Saturday.
Outages are also likely outside PSPS areas due to high winds, which may affect how quickly service can be restored.
Xcel Energy acknowledged the significant disruption caused by these events and stated its goal is “to limit the impact of a PSPS event as much as possible while effectively managing high wildfire risk.” The company will continue providing updates about outages and restoration progress on its website, where customers can check if their address is included in the PSPS event.
Customers are encouraged to report outages using multiple channels: through the Xcel Energy mobile app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play), online at xcelenergy.com/out, via text message by sending OUT or STAT to 98936, or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
The utility recommends that customers prepare for potential extended outages by assembling an emergency kit with items such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, extra batteries, backup phone chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords for partial outages, instructions for manually opening electric doors like garage doors, and important phone numbers. Those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment should make additional preparations; Xcel Energy will conduct further outreach for qualifying medical customers.
According to Xcel Energy’s profile information https://www.xcelenergy.com/, the company provides electricity and gas services across eight states including Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. Headquartered in Minneapolis and traded under NASDAQ: XEL https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/xel, Xcel Energy focuses on reliable energy delivery while advancing clean energy initiatives.
Further tips for outage preparation are available on Xcel Energy’s website.
