Xcel Energy announced on March 12 that it is preparing for continued strong winds and a high risk of wildfires in Colorado through the weekend, with critical fire weather conditions expected to peak on Saturday, March 14. The company said it is monitoring severe weather forecasts and has activated Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) along much of the Front Range to reduce wildfire hazards.
The heightened alert comes as the National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches for parts of Colorado, citing dangerous winds, low humidity, severe drought, and dry ground fuels. As of 4 p.m., Xcel Energy reported that about 18,000 customers were without power, mainly in Fort Collins, Evergreen, and Boulder. Crews are working to restore service as quickly as possible.
To further mitigate wildfire risks, Xcel Energy is evaluating whether a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be necessary for some customers in Boulder and Jefferson counties on Saturday. The company explained that while EPSS makes power lines more sensitive—automatically shutting off electricity if an issue like a tree branch touching a line is detected—it does not mean power has been proactively turned off. Outages during this period could last longer because crews must visually inspect lines before restoring service.
Despite recent snowfall, warm temperatures and high winds have quickly melted snow and dried out vegetation across the region. This combination has increased the likelihood of fast-spreading wildfires. Xcel Energy said it uses weather forecasts and data models to guide its operations and will continue updating its approach based on changing conditions.
The company encouraged customers to prepare for potential outages by keeping contact information updated in MyAccount, building emergency kits with essentials such as flashlights and bottled water, and considering backup power options—especially for those who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity. Customers can report outages through the Xcel Energy mobile app, website, text message services, or by phone.
Xcel Energy stated it will provide another update on Friday regarding weather conditions and ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts.
