Xcel Energy has announced it will carry out a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Friday, December 19, starting at 5 a.m. The action is expected to affect approximately 69,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties due to severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation designation for the area.
The company said that high winds, low humidity and dry ground conditions are key factors behind the decision to implement the PSPS. These conditions are forecasted to match or exceed those experienced on Wednesday, when wind gusts surpassed 100 miles per hour.
Xcel Energy stated: “Public Safety Power Shutoffs reduce the risk of wildfires and protect public safety. Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data sources to decide how to best protect the customers and communities it serves.”
The company noted that even customers whose power lines are underground or who do not see damage nearby may still experience outages because their neighborhoods are connected to the larger grid.
Power restoration efforts will begin after weather conditions improve and it is safe for crews to work. Xcel Energy warned that restoring service could take several days as crews must inspect lines and repair any damage before re-energizing them. “As crews restore power, the public is reminded to give them the space they need to do their job safely and efficiently,” the company said.
Customers should also be aware of possible unplanned outages outside of the PSPS event due to high winds. Xcel Energy advises residents to stay clear of downed power lines and report any such incidents or visible damage.
To support affected customers, Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to open resource centers in impacted areas. These centers will provide phone charging stations and emergency supplies at locations including Evergreen Fire Station, Gilpin County School, Wellspring Catholic Academy, and Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs.
The company encourages customers to report outages through its mobile app available on Apple App Store or Google Play, online at xcelenergy.com/out, by texting OUT or STAT to 98936 for outage reporting or status updates, or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Xcel Energy also recommends preparing for outages by assembling an emergency kit with essentials such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, backup chargers, bottled water and non-perishable food. Customers who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity are urged to take extra precautions; more information about assistance can be found at https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance/medical-exemption-program.
Since beginning its Wildfire Mitigation work in 2020, Xcel Energy has invested in system improvements designed to reduce wildfire risk and limit power disruptions. In 2024 alone, these efforts included replacing over 8,300 distribution poles and inspecting nearly 2,900 miles of transmission lines.
“Xcel Energy is continually investing in and building out its systems to reduce the risk of wildfire and limit the size, scale, and duration of potential power disruptions,” according to the company statement.
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