Xcel Energy announced on March 13 that it is preparing for a strong wind event and a likely Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) expected to begin around 2 p.m. on March 14, potentially affecting about 18,000 customers in Boulder and Jefferson counties. The company said the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning due to very high winds and dry conditions along the Front Range, marking what is forecasted to be the warmest and driest day of this period of high fire danger.
The planned PSPS aims to reduce wildfire risk and support public safety as severe weather approaches. Xcel Energy noted it was able to lower the number of customers expected to be impacted by the shutoff. While weather conditions are anticipated to start improving between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., high winds that could create wildfire risks may persist through the weekend, possibly causing outages beyond the designated PSPS areas.
The company explained that power restoration efforts will only begin after high winds subside and crews can safely patrol lines for repairs. Restoration could take several hours or even days because each power line must be checked before service is restored. Given forecasts for continued high winds into Saturday, outages may extend into Sunday.
To keep customers informed, Xcel Energy will provide updates throughout the event via its website, outage map, social media channels, and direct outreach. Customers are encouraged to prepare by charging devices, assembling emergency kits with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and backup phone chargers. Those who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity are urged to make special preparations for possible extended outages.
Customers can report outages using multiple methods: through the Xcel Energy mobile app available in app stores, online at xcelenergy.com/out, by texting OUT or STAT to 98936 for status updates or reporting an outage, or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Xcel Energy stated it continues investing in systems designed to reduce wildfire risk while limiting disruption size and duration during extreme weather events. The company serves millions of customers across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis.
