Xcel Energy has announced that it will carry out a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) starting at 5 a.m. on Friday, December 19. The action is expected to affect approximately 69,000 customers across Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties in Colorado. The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) warning due to anticipated severe weather conditions.
The PSPS is being implemented to lower the risk of wildfires and protect public safety. According to Xcel Energy, the decision is based on several factors including high winds, low humidity and dry ground conditions—all of which are forecasted for Friday morning and much of the day. These circumstances are expected to be as severe or worse than those seen on Wednesday, when wind gusts exceeded 100 miles per hour.
“Public Safety Power Shutoffs 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,” the company stated.
Even customers with underground power lines or no visible damage in their area may experience outages since their neighborhoods remain connected to the broader grid system.
Restoration efforts for power will begin after weather conditions improve and crews can safely access affected areas. The process could take several days because crews must inspect power lines and repair any damage before restoring service. “As crews restore power, the public is reminded to give them the space they need to do their job safely and efficiently,” Xcel Energy said.
Customers are also warned that unplanned outages may occur outside of the PSPS event due to continued high winds. Residents should avoid downed power lines and report them along with any observed damage directly to Xcel Energy.
To support those impacted by outages, Xcel Energy is collaborating with the American Red Cross and local emergency management offices to open resource centers where affected customers can charge phones and access emergency supplies at multiple locations including Evergreen Fire Station, Gilpin County School, Wellspring Catholic Academy in Lakewood, and Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs.
For reporting outages or damage, customers can use various methods: through Xcel Energy’s mobile app available via 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.
Updates about this weather event will be posted on Xcel Energy’s website. Customers are encouraged to keep their contact information current in My Account for timely notifications about outages or restoration times.
The company advises all residents to prepare for possible extended outages by assembling an emergency kit containing essentials such as battery-powered radios, flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food items and backup phone chargers. Those who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity should take extra precautions ahead of Friday’s shutoff period (https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance/medical-exemption-program).
Since launching its Wildfire Mitigation program in 2020, Xcel Energy reports it has made investments aimed at reducing wildfire risks—such as replacing over 8,300 distribution poles in 2024 alone—as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure resilience.
Xcel Energy serves millions of customers across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis.
