Xcel Energy announced on April 20 that it is preparing for strong winds, low humidity, and very dry conditions expected to increase wildfire risk in parts of western Colorado and the San Luis Valley beginning Wednesday, April 22. The company said these conditions could lead to a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff for some customers in Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties.
The move comes as much of the region faces “extreme” to “exceptional” drought due to historically low snowpack and an unseasonably warm winter. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the San Luis Valley. Xcel Energy stated that weather conditions are expected to improve by Wednesday evening but warned that power restoration may take several hours or even days after severe weather subsides because crews must inspect lines before re-energizing them.
Customers who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity are urged to prepare backup power supplies. Xcel Energy said it will continue outreach efforts as the forecasted event approaches. Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings will be activated across Colorado within the next 48 hours; these settings make power lines more sensitive so they can instantly shut off if an issue is detected.
The company emphasized that high winds could also cause unplanned outages outside areas impacted by any planned shutoffs. Customers are encouraged to update their contact information through My Account and consider enrolling in programs such as Safe forColorado if they have qualifying medical needs.
To prepare for potential outages or wildfires, residents are advised to keep devices charged and assemble emergency kits with essential items like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords for partial outages—and instructions on how to manually operate electric doors. Outages can be reported via Xcel’s mobile app or website or by phone.
