Key Takeaways:
- Xcel Energy may shut off power in Colorado on Wednesday due to extreme winds and dry conditions that create a high risk of wildfires.
- The utility company is considering a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) to reduce the chance of sparks igniting a fire.
- The affected area could be large, spanning from Fort Collins to the Eastern Plains and the Pueblo region.
- Xcel Energy is taking precautions, including Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings and partnering with emergency management offices and critical facilities.
- Customers are advised to prepare for potential outages by staying informed, building an emergency kit, charging devices, and knowing how to report outages.
Introduction to the Situation
Xcel Energy is warning its customers in Colorado that power may be shut off on Wednesday as extreme winds and dry conditions create a high risk of wildfires. The utility company is considering a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), which temporarily cuts electricity to reduce the chance of sparks igniting a fire. This decision is not taken lightly, and Xcel Energy’s Community Relations Director, Andrew Holder, emphasized that it is a tool of last resort. The company’s meteorologists are monitoring conditions around the clock, tracking wind speeds, humidity, and fuel moisture, and what they are seeing has put the company on high alert.
Weather Conditions and Fire Risk
The weather forecast for Wednesday is expected to be extreme, with winds of 70 to 80 mph along the Front Range. The lack of snow in the area has also contributed to the high fire risk, making the fire environment particularly extreme. The Jefferson County School District, Colorado’s second-largest school district, is in contact with Xcel Energy and is prepared to make changes to the school schedule if necessary. The strongest winds are expected to hit around noon on Wednesday, and Xcel Energy is preparing for potential damage to its facilities and outages that could affect a large area.
Preparations and Safety Measures
Xcel Energy is taking several precautions to minimize the impact of the potential power shutoff. The company is using Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings, which keeps lines energized but more sensitive, automatically cutting power if something comes into contact with a line. Xcel Energy is also partnering with emergency management offices and critical facilities like hospitals to minimize impacts. The company has learned from its previous experience with PSPS in April 2024 and is committed to communicating early and effectively with its customers and stakeholders. Xcel Energy has offered tips for preparing for a power shutoff or outage, including staying informed, building an emergency kit, charging devices, and knowing how to report outages.
Potential Impact and Restoration
The potential power shutoff could affect a large area, and Xcel Energy is preparing for outages that could last longer than usual. The company’s crews will restore service as soon as conditions are safe, but customers are advised to have some grace and patience as frontline workers will be working in extreme circumstances to get the power restored efficiently and safely. Xcel Energy is committed to minimizing the impact of the power shutoff and is working closely with emergency management offices and critical facilities to ensure that essential services are maintained.
Customer Preparation and Support
Xcel Energy is urging its customers to prepare for the potential power shutoff by taking several steps. Customers can stay informed by updating their contact information in Xcel’s My Account and checking the statewide outage map for restoration times. Building an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food can also help customers prepare for an outage. Charging devices and having a backup power supply for medical equipment can also help minimize the impact of an outage. Customers can report outages using the Xcel Energy mobile app, visiting xcelenergy.com/out, texting OUT to 98936, or calling 1-800-895-1999.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Xcel Energy’s potential power shutoff in Colorado is a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of wildfires in extreme weather conditions. The company is taking several precautions and safety measures to minimize the impact of the power shutoff, and customers are advised to prepare for potential outages by staying informed, building an emergency kit, charging devices, and knowing how to report outages. By working together, Xcel Energy and its customers can minimize the impact of the power shutoff and ensure that essential services are maintained.