Xcel Energy is preparing for a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in northern Colorado due to forecasts of strong winds, low humidity, and very dry ground conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Thursday and a Fire Weather Watch for Friday.
The company plans to begin the PSPS around 8 a.m. on Friday, which could affect about 9,000 customers in parts of Larimer and Weld counties, including Fort Collins and surrounding areas. Weather conditions are expected to improve by late Friday afternoon. Xcel Energy will decide by Thursday evening whether the shutoff will be necessary. If implemented, power restoration may take from several hours to several days after the high winds and fire risk subside because crews must inspect power lines before service can be safely restored.
Xcel Energy stated: “We are continually investing in and building out our systems to reduce the risk of wildfire and limit the size, scale, and duration of potential power disruptions.” The company also noted that additional outreach will be conducted for customers with medical equipment that relies on electricity.
Customers are advised to prepare for possible outages by keeping electronic devices charged and assembling an emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, manual can openers, first aid kits, backup chargers, extension cords, and instructions for manually operating electric doors.
Updates on outages will be provided through Xcel Energy’s website. Customers can report outages via the mobile app available in both Apple App Store and Google Play Store or online at xcelenergy.com/out. Text reporting is also available by sending OUT or STAT to 98936 or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Xcel Energy serves millions of customers across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis. The company focuses on providing reliable energy while supporting clean energy initiatives.
