Xcel Energy is taking steps to reduce wildfire risk in advance of severe weather expected in Colorado. The company announced it is activating Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across its Front Range service area, which includes Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer and East Denver counties. These measures are being put in place as high winds are forecast for Monday.
Despite the weather concerns, Xcel Energy stated that no Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are planned at this time. The decision was made after updated forecasts showed lower wind speeds than previously expected. However, the company cautioned that outages caused by the weather could still happen and may last longer than usual.
“When EPSS is activated, power lines can stop the flow of energy if an issue is detected, like a tree branch or other object touching the line,” according to Xcel Energy. “EPSS does not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power. If there is an outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line. Power will remain off until crews can visually inspect power lines to make sure it is safe to turn them back on. This may mean that if an outage occurs, it could last longer.”
The company also said it will be operating under escalated wildfire protocols on Monday. Field crews will follow special procedures for vegetation management and core operations to limit wildfire risk. Additional crews will be staged as needed for rapid response, and drones along with other monitoring tools will be used to inspect lines and assist with outage response.
“Xcel Energy thanks customers for their patience and understanding as the company continue to take steps to reduce wildfire risk and keep its communities safe,” said a company statement.
Customers are advised to keep their contact information current through Xcel Energy’s website so they can receive timely updates about outages and restoration times via the online outage map or social media channels such as X and Facebook.
To prepare for possible outages, customers are encouraged to keep devices charged and assemble emergency kits containing items like battery-powered radios, flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food, manual can openers, first aid kits, backup phone chargers, extension cords, and instructions for manually opening electric doors.
Those who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity should prepare a backup power supply. “Xcel Energy will be contacting known medical customers in the area directly to inform them about forecasted severe weather and potential impacts,” the company said.
Customers can report outages through several methods: via the Xcel Energy mobile app available in both Apple App Store and Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/outage; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Xcel Energy serves millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states from its headquarters in Minneapolis.
