Xcel Energy is mobilizing hundreds of crew members to inspect and repair power lines after an extreme wind event in Colorado. The company said that fire weather conditions, including high winds, are expected to continue until at least midnight, with the possibility of additional outages through Saturday.
Restoration times will depend on ongoing weather and the extent of damage. Xcel Energy anticipates restoring service to most customers by noon on Sunday, December 21, but some may remain without power into Monday. Customers will receive direct updates about restoration in their area by Saturday morning.
“The safety of crew members is paramount as they work to restore power. Xcel Energy asks customers to help keep crew members safe as they work diligently to restore power as quickly as possible,” the company stated.
Xcel Energy also noted that unplanned outages outside of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events may occur due to high winds. The company urged residents to avoid downed power lines and report any damage.
“PSPS events 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. Key factors in calling for a PSPS event include high winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions and all are present today,” according to the statement.
Even areas with underground power lines or no visible local damage could experience outages because of how neighborhoods connect to the broader grid.
To support those affected by outages, Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to open resource centers across several locations in Colorado. These centers offer phone charging stations and emergency supplies at sites such as Carmody Middle School in Lakewood, Gilpin County School in Black Hawk, Evergreen Fire Station, Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs, and Berthoud Fire Station. The company’s REDTrucks will be present at these centers providing information and assistance.
Individuals needing food assistance can use resources like the Find Food Map for hunger relief partners throughout Colorado.
Customers are encouraged to report outages using multiple methods: via the Xcel Energy mobile app (available on Apple App Store or Google Play), online at xcelenergy.com/out, by texting OUT or STAT to 98936 for status updates, or by calling 1-800-895-1999 for automated reporting.
Updates about this severe weather event can be found on Xcel Energy’s Event Update webpage. Customers should ensure their contact details are current through My Account for timely notifications.
The company recommends preparing an outage kit with essentials such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, backup chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords for partial outages, manufacturer instructions for manually opening electric doors like garage doors, and important phone numbers including (800) 895-1999 for residential service or (800) 481-4700 for business service. Those relying on electrically powered medical equipment should take steps now for potential extended outages.
Since starting its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy has made system improvements aimed at reducing wildfire risks and limiting disruptions. In 2024 alone these efforts included replacing over 8,300 distribution poles; inspecting nearly 19,000 distribution poles; checking more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines; completing hundreds of priority repairs; and installing new substation protection relays.
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