Hundreds of Xcel Energy workers are working to restore electricity to more than 80,000 customers in Colorado after severe winds caused widespread outages. The National Weather Service has lifted the Red Flag Warning and the Particularly Dangerous Situation designations, and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) conditions ended as of 5 a.m. Saturday.
The extreme weather led Xcel Energy to implement a PSPS on Friday in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties. Additional outages occurred outside the PSPS areas due to storm damage.
Some customers have already had their power restored. Most are expected to have service back by 10 p.m. tonight, but restoration for others may extend into Sunday because of severe damage and challenging locations. Crews must visually inspect lines before repairs can be made.
Xcel Energy has been updating customers throughout the week about restoration times using their preferred communication methods selected in My Account. Updates will continue as estimates are refined and work progresses.
“The safety of crew members is paramount as they work to restore power,” Xcel Energy stated. “Xcel Energy asks customers to help keep crew members safe as they work diligently to restore power as quickly as possible.”
Customers are encouraged to report any damage such as downed lines or broken poles and stay clear of hazards.
To support those affected by outages, Xcel Energy is partnering with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to provide resource centers at several locations including Georgetown Community Center, Carmody Middle School in Lakewood, Gilpin County Overnight Shelter in Black Hawk, Evergreen Fire Station, Clear Creek Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs, and Berthoud Fire Station. These centers offer phone charging stations and other emergency supplies during specified hours.
The company’s RED Trucks will also be present at these sites for support and information. For food assistance needs across Colorado communities, individuals can use the Find Food Map online.
Customers can report outages or damage through several channels: via the Xcel Energy mobile app available 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 for automated reporting.
Event updates and safety tips are available on the Xcel Energy Event Update webpage. Customers should ensure their account information is current for timely notifications about outages and estimated restoration times.
Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts along with other data sources when deciding whether a PSPS event is necessary. High winds, low humidity, and dry ground conditions were key factors in this decision-making process during this event.
Even neighborhoods with underground power lines or no visible local damage may experience outages due to how distribution grids connect larger areas.
Since launching its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy has invested significantly in system improvements aimed at reducing wildfire risk and limiting disruptions’ scale and duration. In 2024 alone, upgrades included replacing over 8,300 distribution poles; inspecting nearly 19,000 poles; checking more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines; completing hundreds of priority repairs on transmission equipment; and installing new substation protection relays.
Xcel Energy serves millions across eight states—Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas—and continues efforts toward reliable service while advancing clean energy goals.
