Restoration efforts are underway in Colorado as Xcel Energy prepares for another Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) scheduled for Friday. The company announced that approximately 67,000 customers across Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties could be affected starting as early as 5 a.m. Friday. Weather conditions are expected to improve by 6 p.m., but high winds and wildfire risks may persist into the evening.
Some customers may experience outages lasting more than three days due to the combined impact of Wednesday’s wind event and the upcoming PSPS. Xcel Energy stated that crews will work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs are implemented to reduce wildfire risk during extreme weather conditions. The company uses forecasts and other data to make decisions about shutting off power when high winds, low humidity, and dry ground increase fire danger.
“We recognize the challenges our customers face when being without power for an extended period of time. We appreciate their patience as our crews work tirelessly to restore power. We appreciate their understanding of the public safety necessity of a PSPS. We are aware tomorrow’s PSPS event will impact some of the same customers involved in yesterday’s wind event. Turning off the power is not a decision we take lightly and our crews are working safely and diligently to restore power as quickly as possible,” said Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy—Colorado.
Over 585 crew members began restoration efforts after Wednesday’s windstorm left 120,000 customers without electricity. As of Thursday afternoon, about 26,000 remained without service. Restoration may take several days because workers must inspect lines and repair damage before re-energizing them.
Xcel Energy warned that additional unplanned outages could occur due to ongoing high winds or Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings activated in affected areas. Customers are advised to avoid downed lines and report any damage they observe.
To support those impacted by outages, Xcel Energy is collaborating with the American Red Cross to open resource centers offering phone charging stations at locations including Evergreen Library, Servicios de la Raza in Denver, Belmar Library in Lakewood, and Gilpin County School in Black Hawk.
Customers can report outages through several methods: using the Xcel Energy mobile app available on Apple App Store or Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/out; via text by sending OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
The company recommends preparing for outages by keeping devices charged and assembling an emergency kit with essentials such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords, and instructions for manually operating electric doors. Those relying on medical equipment powered by electricity should take extra precautions ahead of potential extended outages (https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance/medical-exemption-program).
Since launching its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy has made investments aimed at reducing wildfire risk and minimizing disruption from necessary shutoffs. In 2024 alone, these efforts included replacing over 8,300 distribution poles; inspecting nearly 19,000 poles; reviewing more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines; completing hundreds of priority repairs on transmission equipment; and installing new substation protection relays.
Xcel Energy serves millions of customers across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis.
