Xcel Energy is preparing for severe fire weather conditions expected to begin Friday, January 16, in northern Colorado. The company is monitoring forecasts predicting strong winds, low humidity, and dry ground in limited areas of Larimer and Weld counties, including parts of Fort Collins and nearby communities.
Ongoing dry conditions and high winds may increase the risk of wildfires. Xcel Energy stated it will “continue to evaluate conditions and the scope of our wildfire mitigation actions, including public safety power shutoffs, and will update the community and customers later today.”
Some customers could experience power outages due to wind conditions. Xcel Energy crews will work to restore power as soon as it is safe. The company emphasized its commitment to protecting customers: “Xcel Energy’s top priority is protecting customers and communities and is committed to taking any necessary steps while also communicating quickly and clearly with customers on evolving weather conditions.”
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is under consideration for Friday in certain areas. Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) are also expected to be activated. These settings make power lines more sensitive so that if an issue such as a tree branch touching a line occurs, the flow of energy stops immediately until crews can inspect for safety.
The company said: “Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are important ways Xcel Energy reduces wildfire risk and keeps customers safe.” If PSPS becomes necessary, affected customers will be notified directly by Xcel Energy. The number of potentially impacted customers this time is expected to be lower than during similar events in December 2025.
Power lines may remain in service with additional protection during periods of elevated wildfire risk using EPSS; however, if a PSPS event occurs, power will be proactively shut off for safety reasons. According to Xcel Energy: “This is not a step the company takes lightly.”
The company thanked its customers for their patience while these precautionary measures are being considered. Customers are encouraged to prepare emergency kits with items like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, backup phone chargers, bottled water, first aid supplies, manual can openers, extension cords, instructions for manually opening powered doors or garages, battery-powered radios or phones that do not require electricity.
Customers who rely on medical equipment that needs electric service should have backup plans ready; Xcel Energy will contact qualifying medical customers directly regarding forecasted severe weather.
Updates about outages or restoration efforts can be found on Xcel Energy’s website. Customers should ensure their account information is current in My Account for timely notifications. Outage status can also be checked on the statewide outage map showing affected customer numbers and estimated restoration times.
To report outages or check status updates quickly:
– Use the mobile app available through Apple App Store or Google Play.
– Visit xcelenergy.com/out.
– Text OUT or STAT to 98936.
– Call 1-800-895-1999.
Xcel Energy continues investments in electric systems aimed at reducing wildfire risks while limiting disruption duration and scale. More preparedness tips are available on their website.
The utility serves millions across eight states from its headquarters in Minneapolis.
