Xcel Energy announced on March 12 that it is preparing for continued strong winds and a high risk of wildfires in Colorado through the weekend, with critical fire weather conditions expected to peak on Saturday, March 14. The company said crews are currently addressing power outages caused by high winds, which have left about 18,000 customers without electricity in areas including Fort Collins, Evergreen, and Boulder.
The elevated wildfire risk is due to a combination of severe drought, low humidity, dry ground fuels, and historically low snowpack. Despite recent snowfall, warm temperatures and strong winds have quickly melted snow and dried out vegetation. These conditions increase the likelihood of fast-spreading wildfires and further damage to power lines.
To reduce wildfire hazards, Xcel Energy has activated Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) along much of the Front Range. The company is also evaluating whether a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be needed for some customers in Boulder and Jefferson counties on Saturday. “Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings and Public Safety Power Shutoffs are important ways Xcel Energy reduces wildfire risk and keeps customers safe,” the company said in its statement.
When EPSS is active, power lines become more sensitive to disturbances such as tree branches or debris touching them. This can result in immediate shutoff until crews can visually inspect the lines for safety before restoring service. The company noted that these settings do not mean power has been proactively turned off; rather, any outage during this period results from an issue detected on the line.
Xcel Energy encouraged customers to prepare for potential outages by updating their contact information in MyAccount and assembling emergency kits with essentials like battery-powered radios, flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food, backup phone chargers, and first aid supplies. Customers who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity are advised to sign up for the SafeforColorado program or arrange backup power sources.
The company will provide updates on weather conditions and mitigation efforts Friday. Xcel Energy continues to invest in its electric systems to limit the size and duration of disruptions caused by extreme weather events.
