Xcel Energy has announced that it will activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across its Front Range service area in response to an upcoming severe weather event. The company said this measure is intended to reduce wildfire risk, particularly in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, and East Denver counties, where high winds are expected on Monday.
Despite the weather forecast, Xcel Energy stated that it does not expect to implement any Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). The decision follows updated forecasting models that indicate lower wind speeds than previously anticipated. However, the company cautioned that outages related to the weather could still occur and may last for an extended period.
According to Xcel Energy, EPSS allows power lines to automatically stop the flow of electricity if an issue is detected, such as a tree branch making contact with a line. The company clarified that “EPSS does not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power. If there is an outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line.” Power will remain off until crews can visually inspect lines and confirm it is safe to restore service. This process may result in longer outages.
The company will also operate under escalated wildfire protocols on Monday. These protocols require field crews to follow specific procedures for vegetation management and other core operations aimed at limiting wildfire risk. Xcel Energy will position additional crews for rapid response and will use drones and other monitoring tools to inspect lines and assist in outage recovery efforts.
Xcel Energy expressed appreciation for customers’ patience as it works to reduce wildfire risk. “Xcel Energy thanks customers for their patience and understanding as the company continue to take steps to reduce wildfire risk and keep its communities safe.”
The utility encouraged customers to prepare for possible outages by keeping devices charged and assembling an emergency kit with items such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food, backup phone chargers, and first aid supplies. Customers who rely on electrically powered medical equipment were advised to arrange backup power supplies; Xcel Energy said it would contact known medical customers directly about potential impacts.
To stay informed about outages or restoration times, customers can update their account information through the Xcel Energy website or follow updates on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. The company also provides an online outage map with real-time information.
Customers can report outages using several methods: via the Xcel Energy mobile app available in major app stores; online at xcelenergy.com/outage; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999.
Xcel Energy serves millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states from its headquarters in Minneapolis. The company reports ongoing investments in systems designed to reduce wildfire risk and minimize disruptions.
