Xcel Energy announced on May 5 that it is preparing for a significant spring snowstorm expected to impact Colorado from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with additional crews on standby to restore power if outages occur.
The company said forecasts predict heavy, wet snow across much of the state, which could lead to power disruptions. The foothills may receive approximately 6-10 inches of snow, while the Denver metro area and plains could see around 2-6 inches. Xcel Energy stated that about 165 employees and crew members will be on standby statewide throughout the storm to restore electric and natural gas service as quickly as possible.
Customers are encouraged to report outages using several methods: through the Xcel Energy mobile app, online at www.xcelenergy.com/out, by texting OUT to 98936, or by calling 1-800-895-1999. Updates about outages can also be accessed via the mobile app or Outage Map. Safety tips provided include keeping natural gas meters clear of snow and ice, using space heaters carefully according to instructions and safety labels, maintaining indoor air quality with proper ventilation when cooking with gas appliances, installing carbon monoxide detectors in homes, and staying away from downed or sagging power lines.
The company recommends building a home emergency kit containing items such as battery-powered radios or televisions, flashlights and batteries, backup phone chargers, bottled water and nonperishable food supplies. Customers experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills are urged to contact Xcel Energy for information about payment plans or energy assistance programs.
According to Xcel Energy’s statement in its press release: “We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.” The company added that it is committed to leading the clean energy transition while keeping bills as low as possible.
