Xcel Energy has announced a public safety power shutoff (PSPS) starting at 10:00 a.m. on December 17, 2025, as a measure to reduce wildfire risk. The outage is expected to impact approximately 50,000 customers across Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties. Weather conditions are forecasted to improve around 6 p.m., but the company cautions that strong winds and low humidity may create additional fire risks and service interruptions on Friday.
Due to changing weather forecasts, Xcel Energy is evaluating the possibility of another PSPS event affecting mountain communities and the Front Range beginning at 6:00 a.m. on December 19. The upcoming storm could affect areas already experiencing severe weather today, potentially leaving some customers without power for more than three days.
Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and data sources to guide decisions regarding public safety measures. Factors such as strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry soil conditions play a significant role in risk models.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for high wildfire danger due to predicted strong winds and dry conditions.
Hundreds of Xcel Energy crews and contractors are positioned along the Front Range ready to restore power after the PSPS or other outages caused by severe winds. Customers are encouraged to report any damage seen on power lines, avoid downed lines, and notify Xcel Energy if they experience outages outside the designated PSPS area.
Outages may also occur outside of PSPS zones because of enhanced powerline safety settings (EPSS) activated in affected areas or from high winds associated with this weather system. Restoration times could be impacted since crews must patrol entire lines before safely restoring service. Restoration may take several hours or even days depending on weather conditions.
Xcel Energy acknowledges that these events can be highly disruptive for many customers but states its goal is “to limit the impact of a PSPS event as much as possible while effectively managing high wildfire risk” and pledges continued communication throughout the event.
Customers can check their address online to see if they might be affected by a PSPS event. There are several ways for customers to report outages: through Xcel Energy’s mobile app available on Apple App Store and Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/out; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999 using an automated phone system.
For preparation, Xcel Energy advises customers to keep devices charged and assemble emergency kits including items like battery-powered radios, flashlights, spare chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords for partial outages, manufacturer instructions for manually opening electric doors (such as garage doors), and important contact numbers for Xcel Energy customer service.
Customers relying on medical equipment powered by electricity are advised to prepare for potential extended outages. “Xcel Energy will conduct additional outreach targeted at customers who have qualifying medical equipment,” according to the company statement.
The utility continues investing in its systems with the aim of reducing wildfire risk and minimizing outage size and duration. Additional tips for preparing for an outage can be found on their website.
“Xcel Energy is committed to leading the clean energy transition while keeping bills as low as possible,” according to information provided by the company. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Xcel serves millions of electricity and gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas.
