Xcel Energy is preparing for the possibility of extreme fire weather in northern Colorado, which may lead to a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on Friday, January 16. The utility cited ongoing dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds as factors increasing the risk of wildfires. Approximately 9,000 customers in Larimer and Weld counties, including parts of Fort Collins and nearby areas, could be affected by this precautionary measure.
The company stated that if a PSPS or other weather-related outages are needed, power restoration will begin only after high winds and elevated fire risks have subsided. Hundreds of crew members will be ready to inspect lines, make repairs, and restore power once it is safe. Restoration may take several hours or even days because crews must patrol all affected lines before service can resume.
Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy—Colorado, said: “While wind speeds will be at the lower end of our thresholds for a PSPS, an unusually mild start to winter has contributed to historically dry conditions that create high risk for wildfires. In the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff, we will work to limit the number of those impacted and are preparing to ensure a quick restoration of power. We recognize that any amount of time without power is a hardship. As always, our crews will work as safely and quickly as they can to restore power in the event of a PSPS or other weather-related outages.”
Xcel Energy is keeping customers informed through its Event Update webpage and plans to issue its next public update on Thursday morning. Customers can check their address online to see if they may be subject to a PSPS event.
The company recommends that customers prepare by keeping phones charged and assembling an outage kit with essentials such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords for partial outages, manufacturer’s instructions for manually opening electric doors like garage doors, and backup phone chargers. Customers who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity are advised to take extra precautions; Xcel Energy is conducting additional outreach for these individuals.
Customers can report outages using multiple channels: via the Xcel Energy mobile app available in the 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.
Xcel Energy serves millions across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis and continues investing in systems designed to reduce wildfire risks while maintaining reliable service.
