Xcel Energy is preparing for a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that could affect around 50,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties starting December 17. The measure is being considered due to forecasts of very strong winds and drought conditions in the Front Range area, which have led the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning.
The company said it has used advanced modeling tools and recent upgrades to its grid infrastructure to limit the size of affected areas. The planned outage may begin at 10:00 a.m., earlier than previously expected. Weather conditions are anticipated to improve by Wednesday evening, but strong winds that pose wildfire risks could persist through Friday.
Customers outside the designated PSPS zones may also experience outages because of the high winds, potentially affecting restoration times. Xcel Energy explained that power restoration efforts will start once hazardous wind conditions subside and crews can safely inspect lines. Depending on circumstances, restoring service could take from several hours up to multiple days.
“Xcel Energy’s goal is to minimize the impact of a scheduled power interruption (PSPS) as much as possible while effectively managing the high risk of wildfires,” according to a company statement. “Xcel Energy will share more information about the PSPS event tomorrow morning and throughout the course of the event.”
The utility is contacting customers who might be affected and providing regular updates about outages and restoration progress. Customers can check if their address may be impacted by visiting Xcel Energy’s website or by using their outage map for real-time information.
Xcel Energy recommends customers prepare by keeping phones charged and assembling an emergency kit with items such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, extra batteries, portable phone chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food, manual can openers, first-aid kits, extension cords for partial outages, manufacturer instructions for manually opening electric doors like garage doors, and necessary phone numbers.
The company also reminds those who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity to make advance preparations for possible extended outages. Additional communication efforts will target these medically vulnerable customers.
To report outages or receive status updates, customers can use Xcel Energy’s mobile app available from Apple App Store or Google Play; visit xcelenergy.com/out; text OUT or STAT to 98936; or call 1-800-895-1999 and follow automated prompts.
“Xcel Energy continually invests in its systems and improvements to reduce wildfire risk and limit the size, magnitude and duration of potential power interruptions,” stated the company.
Based in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy serves millions of electricity and gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. More information can be found at xcelenergy.com or through their social media channels.
