Xcel Energy is preparing for severe weather conditions in Colorado, with strong winds expected to begin on Tuesday, February 17. The combination of historically low snowpack, warm and dry weather, and very dry vegetation has increased the risk of large wildfires in the region.
The company warns that wildfire risk will rise as high winds may damage power lines and cause outages. These conditions are anticipated to peak on Tuesday and continue through Thursday.
To reduce wildfire risk, Xcel Energy plans to activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across eastern Colorado during the next 48-72 hours. EPSS makes power lines more sensitive and able to automatically stop electricity flow if a problem is detected, such as a tree branch contacting a line. “These settings do not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power. If there is an outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line,” according to Xcel Energy.
If an outage happens while EPSS is active, crews must visually inspect lines before restoring service, which could extend outage times. Customers can learn more about Xcel Energy’s restoration process at their website.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), where electricity is turned off for targeted areas when wildfire risks are extremely high, are not currently being considered because weather conditions do not meet PSPS criteria. However, outages due to strong winds remain possible.
Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and data to guide decisions aimed at protecting public safety. Key factors include wind speed, humidity levels, and dry ground fuel conditions. The company updates its models regularly and adjusts operations accordingly. Its forecast aligns with the National Weather Service’s Fire Weather Watch for parts of Colorado through Tuesday.
Customers are encouraged to prepare for potential wildfires and outages by updating contact information in their MyAccount profiles and building emergency kits with essential items like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, backup chargers, and first aid supplies.
Residents who use medical equipment dependent on electricity should consider enrolling in Xcel Energy’s Safe for Colorado program for extra support during outages. The company will directly notify qualifying medical customers about forecasted severe weather.
For outage updates or reporting issues, customers can use several options: the Xcel Energy mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/out; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Xcel Energy states it continues investing in electric systems to reduce wildfire risks and limit disruptions’ size and duration. More tips for outage preparation can be found on its website.
Xcel Energy serves millions of customers across eight states—Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas—and says it remains committed to reliable energy delivery as well as leading clean energy efforts.
