Over the weekend, weather forecasters told Denverites to prepare for extremely high-speed wind conditions — up to 100 miles per hour in some areas. What Denverites weren’t told to expect? A three-day “preemptive” power blackout from Xcel Energy. As of Tuesday morning, more than 11,000 customers across Boulder and metro Denver were still waiting for their power to return.
What Happened?
On Saturday, Xcel Energy made the decision to proactively de-energize power lines, temporarily shutting off power to some 55,000 customers across the Front Range. Officially, it’s called a “Public Safety Power Shut-off.”
Why??
To avoid the potential for wildfires. When a live power line, blown by the wind, makes contact with the ground or a tree, it can spark a fire. The high winds can then lead to rapid spreading and make fire suppression methods largely ineffective. A perfect example: The 2021 Marshall Fire, which is believed to have been started in part by an Xcel power line.
So Why Are People Angry?
While the shut-off was in the name of public safety, Xcel customers are claiming they received little to no advance warning. The loss of power, especially for an extended period of time, isn’t just inconvenient — it can also be dangerous. Think: wastewater treatment plants, people using electrically powered medical devices, or losing refrigeration and having to throw away a week’s worth of groceries. Xcel has launched an online survey for customers to leave feedback.
It doesn't come without costs, and should not be an excuse for utilities to ignore critical infrastructure resiliency needs.
Dr. Daniel Swain, Climate scientist
The Bottom Line
Experts like Dr. Daniel Swain, a Boulder-based climate scientist, say that preemptive shut-offs are a justifiable action for wildfire mitigation — with excruciating judiciousness and clear communication, that is. Swain says it's a “complicated cost/benefit proposition.”
Will It Happen Again?
Very likely. More and more utility agencies across the country are beginning to use preemptive shut-offs, especially as the risk for wildfires increases due to a warming climate.
