Key Takeaways:
- Around 87,000 Xcel customers are without power in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties due to a planned safety power shutdown.
- The shutdown was implemented ahead of hurricane-level wind forecasts, with gusts expected to reach 105 miles per hour in the foothills of Boulder and Jefferson counties.
- Red flag warnings are in effect for the entire Front Range, with the highest risk in Boulder and Jefferson counties, due to dangerous fire conditions.
- Xcel is monitoring around 700 miles of power lines, and some customers may be without power for three days or more.
- Services have been disrupted, including RTD’s W Line service, and several schools have been closed.
Introduction to the Power Outage
The state’s largest energy company, Xcel Energy, implemented a planned safety power shutdown at 5 a.m. on Friday, leaving around 87,000 customers without power in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties. The shutdown was done ahead of hurricane-level wind forecasts, with gusts expected to reach 105 miles per hour in the foothills of Boulder and Jefferson counties. This is not the first time Xcel has cut power to its customers, as roughly 20,000 customers were already without power due to damage from Wednesday’s wind storm and shut-off event. Crews have been working to restore power from those previous outages, but the new shutdown has added to the number of customers without power.
Weather Conditions and Fire Risks
The weather conditions on Friday are expected to be particularly dangerous, with extremely high winds, very low humidity, and record temperatures creating a perfect storm that could transform a spark into a blaze. The National Weather Service has issued a "particularly dangerous situation" designation, which means conditions are ripe for a fast-moving wildfire, especially in the foothills. The agency warns of sustained winds of 45-55 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 105 miles per hour in the foothills of Boulder and Jefferson counties. Red flag warnings remain in effect for the entire Front Range, with the highest risk in Boulder and Jefferson counties, from 5 a.m. to midnight Friday night, due to dangerous fire conditions.
Impact on Daily Life
The power outage and weather conditions have had a significant impact on daily life in the affected areas. RTD’s W Line service between the Federal Center Station and Golden will be disrupted, with bus shuttles being used while the line is impacted. Several schools have been closed, including Boulder County schools, CU Boulder, and at least 34 Jeffco schools. The American Red Cross has opened overnight shelters at Wellspring Catholic Academy in Lakewood and Gilpin County School in Black Hawk, and charging centers have been set up to help those without power. The Colorado Department of Transportation has also closed several highways, including Highway 93, Peak to Peak Highway, and North Foothills Highway, due to high winds.
Fires and Emergency Response
Several fires have been reported in the area, including the Rolling Creek Fire south of Bailey in Park County, which sparked around 8 a.m. and was originally three acres. The U.S. Forest Service has taken over response, and as of 12:45 p.m, the fire was down to 1.3 acres. Two small fires reported in northwest Gilpin County are contained or close to containment, and the Geranium Fire west of Coal Creek remains active, with crews responding. A small fire was also reported in Ruby Hill, but it has since been contained. The Boulder County Office of Emergency Management is warning against travel in the area, citing a significant threat to life and property in the event of a wildfire start.
Recouping Losses
For homeowners and renters, the costs of a power shutoff may add up, including spoiled food, frozen pipes, and in worse-case situations, downed trees and debris damaging homes. Xcel has a claim process for losses, but the company is currently focused on keeping people safe. Policy holders should evaluate their homeowners or renters policies before filing claims, or talk to their insurance broker, as short-term expenses may not meet deductibles. Filing multiple claims may negatively impact insurance rates, and it is essential to consider whether filing a claim makes sense before doing so.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the planned safety power shutdown by Xcel Energy has left around 87,000 customers without power in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties. The weather conditions are particularly dangerous, with extremely high winds, very low humidity, and record temperatures creating a perfect storm that could transform a spark into a blaze. The power outage and weather conditions have had a significant impact on daily life, with several schools closed, highways shut down, and emergency services on high alert. It is essential for residents to take necessary precautions, follow evacuation orders, and stay informed about the situation to ensure their safety.