Hundreds of Xcel Energy workers are repairing power lines and poles to restore electricity to more than 80,000 customers in Colorado after severe winds caused widespread outages. The National Weather Service has lifted the Red Flag Warning and Particularly Dangerous Situation alerts, and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) conditions ended early Saturday morning.
Xcel Energy implemented a PSPS on Friday in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties due to high wildfire risk from the weather. Additional outages occurred outside the PSPS areas as well.
Some customers have already had their power restored. Most others are expected to have service back by 10 p.m. Saturday, though restoration for some may extend into Sunday because of extensive damage or difficult-to-access locations. Crews must inspect all lines before repairs can be completed.
The company has kept customers informed throughout the week about restoration times using their preferred communication methods through My Account. Updates will continue as work progresses.
Xcel Energy emphasized safety for its crews during repair efforts and asked customers to help keep workers safe while they restore power.
Customers are encouraged to report downed lines or damaged poles and avoid those areas.
To support those affected by outages, Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to provide resource centers at several locations in impacted communities. These centers offer phone charging stations and emergency supplies at Georgetown Community Center, Carmody Middle School in Lakewood, Gilpin County Overnight Shelter in Black Hawk, Evergreen Fire Station, Clear Creek Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs, and Berthoud Fire Station. The company’s RED Trucks will also be present at these sites for support and information. Individuals needing food assistance can use the Find Food Map tool to locate hunger relief partners across Colorado.
Customers can report outages or damage via several channels: through the Xcel Energy mobile app; online at xcelenergy.com/out; by texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or by calling 1-800-895-1999 for automated reporting.
Event updates and safety tips are available on the Xcel Energy Event Update webpage. Customers can check outage maps for current information on restorations and should ensure their account details are up-to-date.
Xcel Energy continues its wildfire mitigation efforts using weather forecasts and data sources when deciding on PSPS events. High winds, low humidity, and dry ground remain key factors for such decisions. Even neighborhoods with underground lines may experience outages if connected parts of the grid are affected.
Since starting its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy has invested in system improvements such as replacing over 8,300 distribution poles this year alone; inspecting nearly 19,000 distribution poles; checking almost 2,900 miles of transmission lines; completing hundreds of priority repairs on transmission equipment; and installing new substation protection relays.
According to Xcel Energy: “We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.”
The company adds: “We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more cleaner power while keeping bills as low as possible.”
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy serves millions of electricity and gas customers across eight states including Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas.
