Xcel Energy has initiated a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) affecting about 50,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties due to extreme wildfire risk. Strong winds have been reported in Colorado, with gusts reaching up to 91 miles per hour.
The company expects another PSPS event on Friday, December 19, as forecasts indicate continued strong winds, dry ground conditions, and low relative humidity. This upcoming event may impact mountain communities and the Front Range area starting at 5:00 a.m. Some areas could experience outages lasting more than three days if the storm overlaps with those already affected by severe weather.
To help determine safety measures, Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and risk models that consider factors such as wind speed, humidity levels, and soil dryness.
In Jefferson County, Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and local officials to open two resource centers for customers impacted by power outages caused by severe wind. The Evergreen Library at 5000 County Hwy 73 in Evergreen and the Belmar Library at 555 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood will be open today and tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Xcel Energy trucks will be present to provide support and information. The centers offer phone charging stations for those who need them.
Hundreds of Xcel Energy employees and contractors are stationed along the Front Range ready to restore power after the PSPS or other outages caused by high winds. Customers are advised to report any damage seen on power lines but stay away from downed wires or broken poles for safety reasons.
Xcel Energy acknowledges that these events are highly disruptive but states its goal is to limit their impact while managing wildfire risks effectively. Updates about outages and restoration efforts will continue throughout the event. Customers can check online to see if their address may be subject to a PSPS.
There are several ways for customers to report outages:
– Using the Xcel Energy mobile app available through major app stores
– Online at xcelenergy.com/out
– By texting OUT or STAT to 98936
– Calling 1-800-895-1999
Updated information about current events, preparation tips, safety guidance during adverse weather conditions, outage reporting options, and restoration updates can be found on Xcel Energy’s website.
Customers are encouraged to prepare for possible extended outages by keeping devices charged and assembling an emergency kit containing items such as battery-powered radios, flashlights with extra 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, and important contact numbers including Xcel Energy’s residential (800-895-1999) or business (800-481-4700) lines.
Those using medical equipment dependent on electricity should take extra precautions ahead of potential prolonged outages; additional communication will be provided for medically qualified customers regarding Friday’s expected event.
Since launching its wildfire mitigation program in 2020,Xcel Energy has made ongoing investments in its infrastructure aimed at reducing wildfire risks and minimizing both the scope and duration of service interruptions. In 2024 alone these improvements included replacing over 8,300 distribution poles; inspecting nearly 18,750 distribution poles; reviewing more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines; completing over 340 priority repairs on transmission equipment; and installing new protective relays at substations.
Xcel Energy serves millions of customers across eight states—Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas—and continues efforts toward cleaner energy solutions while maintaining affordability.
