Xcel Energy crews are working to restore electricity in northern Colorado after a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and weather-related outages impacted the region. The PSPS was implemented on Friday morning in Larimer and Weld counties as a measure to reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety, following adverse weather that included wind gusts over 65 miles per hour. These conditions prompted the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning, while also causing thousands of additional outages outside the PSPS area.
Weather conditions began improving in some areas around 4 p.m., but strong winds with potential for further outages were expected to persist into Friday night. Xcel Energy has deployed hundreds of employees and contractors who are inspecting power lines, making repairs, and restoring service as soon as it is safe to do so. Crews will work extended 16-hour shifts through Friday night into Saturday, continuing around the clock until all customers have power restored where conditions allow.
The company expects most customers will have their electricity back by Friday, though some restorations may extend into Saturday due to the need for visual inspections before repairs can be completed.
“Worker safety is paramount,” Xcel Energy stated. “We ask our customers to help ensure worker safety by giving them space so they can do their jobs safely and efficiently.”
Xcel Energy acknowledged that high winds arrived later than forecasted. The criteria for initiating a Public Safety Power Shutoff were met across much of the affected area between noon and 1 p.m., according to the company, which said it monitors weather conditions continuously to minimize both the scope and duration of any PSPS event.
The decision to implement Friday’s shutoff was based on available data and established safety thresholds: “Weather systems can change quickly, and we determine public safety risk levels based on current conditions and how they’re expected to evolve in coming hours.”
Customers are encouraged to report outages or damage using multiple channels: via Xcel Energy’s mobile app (available from Apple’s App Store or Google Play), online at xcelenergy.com/out, by texting OUT or STAT to 98936, or by calling 1-800-895-1999. Customers should stay away from downed wires or broken poles and contact Xcel Energy if such hazards are observed.
Ongoing updates about this weather event will be posted on Xcel Energy’s website. Customers can view outage maps for real-time information about interruptions and estimated restoration times; updating account information is recommended for timely communications. Social media platforms like Facebook and X also provide updates from the utility.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs are intended as a wildfire mitigation strategy when severe weather poses significant fire risks—such as strong winds, low humidity, or extremely dry conditions—and may affect neighborhoods even where local infrastructure appears undamaged due to broader grid connections.
Since beginning its wildfire mitigation work in 2020, Xcel Energy reports investments including replacing over 8,300 distribution poles; inspecting nearly 18,750 distribution poles; checking more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines; conducting over 340 priority equipment repairs; and installing new protection relays at substations during 2024.
Xcel Energy serves millions of customers across eight states—Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Texas—with headquarters in Minneapolis. The company emphasizes its commitment “to lead the clean energy transition while keeping bills as low as possible.” More information is available at xcelenergy.com.
