Xcel Energy is closely monitoring and preparing for severe wildfire weather conditions expected to begin Friday, January 16, in limited areas of Larimer and Weld counties in northern Colorado. The affected region includes parts of Fort Collins and nearby communities to the north and west. Ongoing dry conditions combined with strong winds are contributing to a heightened risk of wildfires.
The company will continue to assess the situation and may implement mitigation measures such as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) if necessary. Xcel Energy stated it will update the community and customers later today regarding any changes.
Due to high winds, some customers could experience power outages. Xcel Energy crews will restore electricity as soon as it is safe to do so. “The highest priority for Xcel Energy is protecting customers and communities, and we are committed to taking necessary actions while communicating quickly and clearly with customers about changing weather conditions,” the company said.
A PSPS is being considered for Friday, January 16, with enhanced safety settings on power lines expected to be activated. These settings are designed to reduce wildfire risks by adjusting grid operations based on updated weather forecasts, wind speeds, humidity levels, and soil dryness.
If a PSPS event occurs, Xcel Energy expects that fewer customers will be affected compared to similar events in December 2025 in Denver and Boulder. The company’s goal is to minimize impacts while managing wildfire risks effectively.
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) allow power lines to remain operational during elevated fire risk periods by activating additional protective configurations. In a PSPS event, electricity is proactively shut off for safety reasons—a measure the company does not take lightly.
Activating EPSS does not mean proactive disconnection of customer electricity; rather, if an outage occurs during these settings, it results from an issue on the line itself. Power remains off until crews can visually inspect lines for safety before restoration can occur. This may result in longer outages when they happen.
Xcel Energy thanked its customers for their patience as it continues efforts to reduce wildfire risks and keep communities safe. Customers are encouraged to prepare now for possible outages later this week due to severe weather conditions.
To stay informed about updates or outages related to this event, customers should ensure their account information is current through My Account on the Xcel Energy website. Outage status can also be checked via the statewide outage map at xcelenergy.com/out.
Customers are advised to build emergency kits including battery-powered radios, flashlights, spare batteries, phone chargers that do not require electricity, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can openers, first aid kits, extension cords for partial outages, instructions for manually opening electric doors such as garage doors, and important contact numbers including Xcel Energy’s residential (800-895-1999) or business (800-481-4700) hotlines.
Those who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity should prepare backup power supplies ahead of time. Xcel Energy will contact qualifying medical customers directly regarding potential impacts from severe weather forecasts.
The company continues investing in its electrical systems across eight states—Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas—to limit wildfire risks and reduce outage size or duration when they occur. More tips on preparing for power interruptions are available at xcelenergy.com or through their mobile app found on Apple’s App Store or Google Play.
Customers can report outages using several methods: through the mobile app; online at xcelenergy.com/out; texting OUT or STAT to 98936; or calling 1-800-895-1999 where reports can be made in under one minute via automated system.
“Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data sources to help us determine the best course of action to protect public safety,” according to the company statement.
“Public Safety Power Shutoff is a risk mitigation option where power is cut off in a specific area for a limited time when wildfire risks are extremely high and other methods like EPSS are not sufficient,” Xcel Energy said.
“The energy will remain off until our teams can visually inspect power lines to ensure it’s safe before turning them back on,” stated the company.
“Xcel Energy appreciates customers’ patience and understanding as we continue taking steps needed to reduce wildfire risk and keep communities safe.”
For more information about Xcel Energy’s services across its eight-state territory or further updates about this week’s forecasted extreme weather event visit xcelenergy.com or follow them on social media platforms.
