Xcel Energy has initiated a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for approximately 9,000 customers in Larimer and Weld counties in northern Colorado. The decision comes after the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning due to strong winds—expected to reach up to 70 mph—combined with low humidity, dry ground conditions, and historically low snowpack, which have together created extreme wildfire risk.
The company said that high winds increase the possibility of damage to power poles and could cause additional outages beyond those planned for the PSPS. Customers not included in the initial shutoff may still experience outages as a result of severe weather or Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), which are currently active throughout affected areas. Xcel Energy urged residents to report any damage seen on power lines, stay away from downed lines, and notify the utility if they lose power.
Weather conditions are forecasted to improve around 4 p.m., but restoration efforts will only begin once winds subside and fire risks decrease. According to Xcel Energy, restoring service may take from several hours up to several days because crews must inspect entire power lines before re-energizing them. The company anticipates many customers will have their service restored today, with most others expected by Saturday.
Crews from across Colorado are working extended shifts overnight Friday into Saturday to restore power safely and efficiently. Work is set to continue until all customers are back online. “Please remember to give them the space they need to do their job safely and efficiently,” Xcel Energy stated in its release.
The company acknowledged that a significant number of customers are likely facing outages during this event. “The company’s goal is to limit the impact of a PSPS event as much as possible while effectively managing high wildfire risk,” Xcel Energy said. Ongoing updates about outages and restoration efforts will be communicated through official channels.
Customers can check whether their address is affected by visiting Xcel Energy’s website. Outages can be reported via multiple methods: through the 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 using an automated phone system designed for quick outage reporting.
Xcel Energy recommends that residents prepare for potential outages by keeping devices charged and assembling an emergency kit containing items such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, extra batteries, backup chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, extension cords for partial outages, and instructions for manually operating electric doors. Customers dependent on medical equipment powered by electricity should make necessary preparations for extended disruptions; targeted outreach is being conducted for qualifying medical customers.
The utility noted ongoing investments aimed at reducing wildfire risks and minimizing both the size and duration of future power interruptions.
Xcel Energy serves millions of customers across eight states including Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Texas. More information can be found at xcelenergy.com or on social media platforms Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
