Xcel Energy has announced that it will conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) starting at 5 a.m. on Friday, December 19, affecting approximately 69,000 customers across Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties in Colorado. The action comes as the National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) warning due to expected severe weather conditions.
The company stated that the shutoff is intended to reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety during periods of high winds, low humidity and dry ground—conditions similar to those experienced earlier in the week when wind gusts exceeded 100 miles per hour. “Public Safety Power Shutoffs reduce the risk of wildfires and protect public safety. Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data sources to decide how to best protect the customers and communities it serves,” according to Xcel Energy.
Customers with underground power lines or no visible damage in their area may still experience outages because their neighborhoods are connected to the larger grid system. As for Wednesday’s PSPS event, more than 90 percent of affected customers have had their power restored.
Restoration efforts following Friday’s event will begin once conditions are safe for crews to work. The process could take several days as crews must inspect lines and repair any damage before re-energizing them. Customers are advised to give utility workers adequate space during restoration operations.
Unplanned outages outside of the PSPS may also occur due to high winds. Customers are urged to stay away from downed power lines and report them along with any visible damage directly to Xcel Energy.
To support impacted residents, Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to open resource centers where customers can access phone charging stations and emergency supplies at various locations including Evergreen Fire Station, Gilpin County School, Wellspring Catholic Academy in Lakewood, and Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs. The company’s Red Trucks will be present at these centers for additional support.
Reporting outages can be done through multiple channels: via Xcel Energy’s mobile app available on Apple App Store or Google Play; online at xcelenergy.com/out; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999 for rapid reporting through an automated system.
Updates about outages and safety tips will be provided on Xcel Energy’s website as well as its social media channels on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Customers are encouraged to keep contact information updated through My Account for timely notifications.
Residents are advised to prepare for potential extended outages by assembling emergency kits with battery-powered radios, flashlights, backup chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food items and first aid supplies. Those relying on electrically powered medical equipment should take extra precautions ahead of possible prolonged interruptions (https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance/medical-exemption-program).
Since launching its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy reports continued investment in infrastructure upgrades designed to limit wildfire risk—including replacing over 8,300 distribution poles this year alone—as part of ongoing efforts toward safer energy delivery systems.
Xcel Energy provides electricity and gas service across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis. More information is available at xcelenergy.com.
