Xcel Energy announced on March 14 that crews are working to restore power to customers in Colorado after a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) was implemented due to severe wind and wildfire risk. The company said approximately 12,000 customers in Boulder and Jefferson Counties were affected by the shutoff, which was about 40% fewer than initially anticipated because real-time weather monitoring allowed for a more targeted response.
The PSPS was enacted as a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risk, with high winds, low humidity, and dry ground conditions prompting the decision. Xcel Energy reported that power has already been restored to more than 5,000 customers and expects most remaining customers will have service back by tonight, though some outages may extend into Sunday. Crews must visually inspect lines for damage before repairs can be made and power restored.
Throughout the event, Xcel Energy communicated with customers using their preferred contact methods registered in My Account. Updates on restoration times will continue as work progresses. The company also set up a Community Resource Center in Boulder to assist those impacted by the outage.
Customers are encouraged to report any damage such as downed power lines or broken poles through several channels: the Xcel Energy mobile app, online at xcelenergy.com/out, via text message by sending OUT or STAT to 98936, or by calling 1-800-895-1999. Event updates and safety tips are available on the Xcel Energy Event Update webpage.
Xcel Energy highlighted its ongoing investments in wildfire mitigation since 2020. In 2024 alone, improvements included replacing over 8,300 distribution poles, inspecting nearly 19,000 poles and almost 2,900 miles of transmission lines, completing hundreds of priority repairs on transmission equipment, and installing new substation protection relays.
The company emphasized that even areas with underground power lines or no visible damage may experience outages due to how neighborhoods connect to the larger grid. Customers are advised to keep their account information current and follow updates on Xcel Energy’s website or social media channels.
