Xcel Energy announced it will carry out a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Friday, December 19, at 5 a.m. The action is expected to affect approximately 69,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties. This decision comes as the National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) warning due to anticipated severe weather.
The PSPS is being implemented to reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety. Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data sources to determine when such measures are necessary. Factors influencing this decision include high winds, low humidity and dry ground conditions. The company stated these factors “will be present tomorrow morning and throughout most of the day,” with conditions matching or exceeding those from Wednesday, which saw wind gusts over 100 miles per hour.
Customers with underground power lines or no visible damage in their area may still experience outages because their neighborhoods are connected to the larger grid. According to Xcel Energy, “As for Wednesday’s PSPS more than 90 percent of customers impacted have been restored.”
Restoration efforts will begin after the severe weather passes and it is safe for crews to work. This process could take several days as crews must inspect power lines and repair any damage before re-energizing them. Xcel Energy reminds the public to give crews space so they can work safely.
Unplanned outages outside of the PSPS event are also possible due to high winds. Customers are advised to avoid downed power lines and report any damage they observe.
To support affected residents, Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to open resource centers in impacted areas. These centers offer phone charging stations and emergency supplies at locations including Evergreen Fire Station, Gilpin County School, Wellspring Catholic Academy in Lakewood, and Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs.
Xcel Energy encourages customers to report outages through its mobile app available on Apple App Store or Google Play, online at xcelenergy.com/out, by texting OUT or STAT to 98936 for outage reporting or status updates, or by calling 1-800-895-1999 using an automated system.
Updates about the event can be found on the Xcel Energy Event Update webpage.
Customers are urged to prepare for potential outages by keeping devices charged and assembling an emergency kit that includes items such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food. Those relying on medical equipment powered by electricity should take steps now for extended outages; information about medical exemptions is available at https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance/medical-exemption-program.
Since launching its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy has invested in various system improvements aimed at reducing wildfire risks. In 2024 alone these included replacing over 8,300 distribution poles; inspecting nearly 19,000 distribution poles; checking more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines; completing hundreds of priority repairs; and installing new substation protection relays.
According to Xcel Energy: “We make energy work better for customers…delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.” The company states it is committed “to leading the clean energy transition” while maintaining affordable bills for customers across eight states including Colorado.
