Xcel Energy has announced that it is mobilizing hundreds of crew members to inspect and repair power lines after an extreme wind event in Colorado. The company expects severe fire weather conditions, including high winds, to continue until at least midnight and possibly into early Saturday morning. This may cause further outages that could last through Saturday.
Power restoration efforts will be affected by ongoing high winds and the extent of system damage. Xcel Energy estimates that most customers will have their power restored by Sunday, December 21 at noon, but some outages may extend into Monday. Customers will receive direct updates about restoration times by Saturday morning.
“The safety of crew members is paramount as they work to restore power. Xcel Energy asks customers to help keep crew members safe as they work diligently to restore power as quickly as possible,” the company stated.
Customers are reminded that unplanned outages can occur outside of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event due to high winds. Xcel Energy advises people to avoid downed power lines and report any such hazards or other visible damage.
“PSPS events reduce the risk of wildfires and protect public safety. Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data sources to decide how to best protect the customers and communities it serves. Key factors in calling for a PSPS event include high winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions and all are present today,” according to the company.
Residents in areas with underground power lines or no visible local damage may still experience outages due to how neighborhoods connect to the larger grid.
To support those affected, Xcel Energy is collaborating with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to open resource centers where impacted customers can access phone charging stations and emergency supplies at several locations, including Carmody Middle School in Lakewood (open 24 hours), Gilpin County School in Black Hawk (open 24 hours), Evergreen Fire Station (open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs (open Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and Berthoud Fire Station (open from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The company’s REDTrucks will also be present at these centers providing support.
Customers needing food assistance can use the Find Food Map tool online for local hunger relief resources across Colorado.
Outages or damaged equipment can be reported through several channels: via the Xcel Energy mobile app, 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 are encouraged to keep their contact information up-to-date using My Account on the company’s website, follow outage maps for real-time updates, and stay informed via social media platforms Facebook and X.
Xcel Energy also recommends preparing for potential outages by assembling an emergency kit with battery-powered devices, bottled water, non-perishable food items, backup chargers, first aid supplies, extension cords, manual door instructions, and necessary phone numbers. Those relying on electrically powered medical equipment should take extra precautions for extended outages.
Since starting its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy has invested in measures such as replacing over eight thousand distribution poles this year alone, inspecting thousands more poles and miles of transmission lines, completing hundreds of priority repairs on transmission equipment, and installing new substation protection relays.
Xcel Energy is headquartered in Minneapolis and serves customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Texas. More information is available at xcelenergy.com or on their social media pages.
