Xcel Energy is preparing for severe weather in Colorado, including strong winds expected to begin on Tuesday, February 17. The company notes that historically low snowfall, combined with unusually warm and dry conditions and very dry vegetation, could contribute to large and fast-moving wildfires.
The risk of wildfires is expected to increase as strong winds raise the likelihood of damage to power lines and potential power outages. These weather conditions are forecasted to peak on Tuesday and continue through Thursday.
To reduce wildfire risk and keep customers safe, Xcel Energy will activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) in eastern Colorado over the next 48-72 hours. When EPSS is active, power lines become more sensitive and can instantly stop the flow of electricity if a problem is detected, such as a tree branch or other object touching the line. According to Xcel Energy, “These adjustments do not mean the company has proactively shut off a customer’s electricity. If there is an outage while these settings are active, it is the result of an issue on the power line.” The company adds that “Electricity will remain off until our crews can visually inspect the power lines to ensure it is safe to re-energize them. This may mean that if an outage occurs, it could last longer.” More information about Xcel Energy’s restoration process can be found at xcelenergy.com/out.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), which involve shutting off electricity in specific areas when wildfire risks are extremely high and other methods like EPSS are not enough, are not currently being considered. Xcel Energy states that current weather conditions are unlikely to meet PSPS criteria but warns that customers may still experience outages due to strong winds. The company will continue monitoring weather conditions and adjust its wildfire mitigation actions as needed.
Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and data sources to determine how best to protect public safety. Key factors include strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry soil conditions. These models are updated regularly so operations can be adjusted accordingly. The company’s forecast aligns with the National Weather Service Fire Weather Watch for parts of the region through Tuesday.
Customers are encouraged by Xcel Energy to prepare for possible wildfires and power outages now:
– Review contact information and preferences in My Account.
– Customers who use medical equipment dependent on electricity should consider enrolling in Safe for Colorado, which provides extra support for qualifying residents with medical needs.
– Customers relying on medical devices powered by electricity should also prepare backup power supplies in case of outages. Xcel Energy will directly contact qualifying medical customers in affected areas about forecasted severe weather and possible impacts.
To stay informed during outages, customers should ensure their account information is up-to-date in My Account. They can check outage status using Xcel Energy’s statewide outage map showing affected customer numbers and estimated restoration times.
Customers are advised to keep phones charged and prepare an emergency kit with items such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, batteries, backup phone chargers, non-electric phones or alarm clocks, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords (for partial outages), manufacturer instructions for manually opening electric doors (like garage doors), and important phone numbers including (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for businesses.
Xcel Energy continues investing in its electrical systems to lower wildfire risks while limiting both the size and duration of possible service interruptions. Additional tips on preparing for outages are available on their website.
Customers can report outages via several methods: through 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 where automated reporting allows interruptions to be reported quickly.
Xcel Energy serves millions of customers across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. The company says it remains committed “to leading the clean energy transition” while keeping bills as low as possible.
