Xcel Energy customers in the Denver Metro could lose power for an extended period of time today. The state’s largest utility company is warning tens of thousands of Front Range users about potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs that could leave many without electricity for hours or even days. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Is Xcel Cutting Power?
The Denver Metro is expecting dangerously high wind speeds today. Combined with near-record warm temperatures, the risk of fires ignited by downed power lines is heightened. As a preventative measure, the company will “likely” shut off power in at-risk areas until conditions die down. If you’re wondering what criteria warrants a preemptive power shutoff — and why and when — 9News breaks it down here.
Who Will Be Impacted? Where and When?
Xcel says customers in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties may experience shutoffs starting as early as noon — but things could change depending on the weather. The company also warns that outages could last as long as 24 to 72 hours. Weather conditions are expected to improve by this evening, but power will remain off until the wind event ceases and an Xcel crew member can visually inspect the impacted line, which “may take several hours to several days,” Xcel says.
How to Prepare
Here are some tips and reminders to prepare you for an extended period of time without power:
- Have portable chargers fully charged and easy to access
- Keep important electronics, like medical devices, fully charged
- Round up extra candles, flashlights, and batteries
- Set your fridge and freezer to their coldest settings in advance to help keep contents cold if they lose power
- Familiarize yourself with how to open your garage manually
Xcel offers additional tips for safety and preparedness here.
How to Stay Updated
Xcel plans to provide updates about the power shutoffs on its website. You can also regularly check Xcel’s live outage map or text STAT to 98936 for updates on outages in your area. Report outages to Xcel online or by calling 800-895-1999. The company says it will attempt to contact potentially affected customers via phone, email, and text message before, throughout, and after the forecasted weather event.
