Xcel Energy is preparing for a strong wind event and a likely Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) this week due to forecasts of very high winds and dry conditions along Colorado’s Front Range on December 17. The company expects the weather to improve by 6 p.m. that day.
The potential PSPS could affect customers in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties. If a shutoff or other weather-related outages occur, power restoration will begin after the hazardous conditions subside. Restoration may take from several hours to several days because crews must inspect entire power lines before re-energizing them.
Updates and safety tips are being provided through Xcel Energy’s Event Update webpage. Customers can also check if their address is included in the potential PSPS area online.
Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy—Colorado, said: “The predicted extreme weather has the potential to cause extensive damage to our electric infrastructure, resulting in extended power outages. We are monitoring the situation closely, including the potential for significantly elevated wildfire risk. If needed, we are prepared to perform a targeted Public Safety Power Shut Off as a last resort to protect our customers and communities. As always, our crews will work as quickly and safely as they can to restore power in the event of a PSPS or other weather-related outages.”
Customers are encouraged to stay informed by checking Xcel Energy’s website for updates and using the outage map for real-time information on outages and estimated restoration times. They should ensure their account details are current in My Account and follow Xcel Energy on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
To prepare for possible outages, customers are advised to keep devices charged and assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, batteries, backup chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food items, first aid supplies, extension cords for partial outages, manual openers for powered doors like garage doors, and written instructions from manufacturers where applicable. Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment should make necessary preparations; Xcel Energy will conduct additional outreach for these qualifying medical customers.
Outages can be reported via several methods: through the mobile app available on 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.
Xcel Energy continues investing in system improvements aimed at reducing wildfire risks and minimizing disruption scale and duration.
The company serves millions of customers across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis.
