Xcel Energy is closely monitoring and preparing for a potential extreme wildfire weather event forecasted to begin Friday, January 16, in certain limited areas within Larimer and Weld counties in northern Colorado. This area includes parts of Fort Collins and nearby communities to the north and west. Ongoing dry conditions combined with strong winds may create a critical environment for wildfires.
The company stated it will continue evaluating the situation and possible mitigation actions, including public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), and will update customers later today. Some customers may experience power outages due to wind conditions. Xcel Energy workers will restore electricity as soon as it is safe to do so.
“The highest priority of Xcel Energy is to protect customers and communities, and we are committed to taking necessary steps while communicating quickly and clearly with customers about changing weather conditions,” the company said.
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is being considered for Friday, January 16, with enhanced safety settings expected on power lines. The decision process uses weather forecasts and other data sources to determine how best to protect public safety. Key risk factors include strong winds, low relative humidity, and extremely dry ground fuels; these are updated regularly in models that guide operational adjustments.
Persistent dry weather in the region along with historically low snow accumulation are primary contributors to increased wildfire risks. Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and PSPS events are tools used by Xcel Energy to reduce wildfire risk while keeping customers safe.
A PSPS involves shutting off power proactively for a limited time when wildfire risk is extremely high and other methods like EPSS are not enough. Customers who might be affected will receive notifications if a PSPS becomes necessary. The company is currently assessing this need for a limited number of customers in Larimer and Weld counties—including parts of Fort Collins—starting around 7 a.m., Friday, January 16. If implemented, the number of affected customers should be substantially lower than during similar events last December in Denver and Boulder areas.
The goal remains limiting impacts as much as possible while managing high wildfire risks effectively. During an EPSS activation, additional protection configurations allow lines to stay energized during elevated fire danger but can result in longer outages if inspections are needed before restoring service.
Xcel Energy encourages all customers to prepare now for possible outages later this week due to severe weather conditions. Customers should keep their contact information up-to-date through My Account for timely notifications about restoration efforts or planned shutoffs via the company’s website. They can also check outage status using the statewide outage map which provides real-time updates on affected areas.
Customers are advised to build emergency kits that include battery-powered radios, flashlights, spare batteries or phone chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords for partial outages, instructions on manually opening electric doors such as garage doors—and ensure access to important numbers like Xcel Energy’s customer service lines: (800) 895-1999 for residents or (800) 481-4700 for businesses.
Customers relying on medical equipment powered by electricity should arrange backup power supplies ahead of time; qualifying medical customers will be contacted directly regarding severe weather forecasts or possible impacts.
The company notes ongoing investments in its electrical systems aim at reducing wildfire risk while limiting the size or duration of potential interruptions. Additional preparedness tips are available on Xcel Energy’s website.
Outages can be reported through multiple channels: via Xcel Energy’s mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/out; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or calling 1-800-895-1999 using an automated system designed for fast reporting.
“Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for our customers—helping them thrive every day,” according to the company statement. “This means always raising standards: delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, sustainable energy.”
“We are committed to leading the clean energy transition—meeting our customers’ needs for more energy that’s cleaner—while keeping bills as low as possible because people depend on us,” the statement continued.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy generates and distributes electricity and gas across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico,and Texas.
For further information visit xcelenergy.com or follow Xcel Energy on social media platforms.
