Power Outages Possible Due to Fire Risk in Northern Colorado

This has been a pretty weird time for winter weather in Northern Colorado. Meaning, we haven't seen a lot of it yet. We've seen quite the opposite. Warm, dry weather, with only one real snowfall so far, makes things feel off.

Photo by Caleb Cook on Unsplash

Last week, many had to deal with random power outages due to wind gusts in Northern Colorado, and we are expecting more wind in the forecast coming up on Wednesday, December 17.

Fire Weather Watch Issued in Colorado

The National Weather Service has issued an upcoming Fire Weather Watch starting at 11 a.m. and lasting through 6 p.m. on December 17. Due to the warmer-than-normal temperatures, low humidity, and wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, these conditions could be favorable for quick spreading fires across the Front Range and the foothills of Colorado.

If you are an Xcel Energy customer, chances are that you may have received an email about the upcoming danger that these wind gusts could bring. Also, there could be a possibility that you could be sitting around with no lights on, either.

To reduce the risk of wildfire and support public safety, we are planning for a likely PSPS beginning on December 17 around noon, impacting customers in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties.

Said Xcel Energy in the email.

What is an Xcel Energy PSPS?

This shutoff by Xcel Energy is what is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff. This event can occur in specific areas when there are favorable elements for extreme or critical wildfire risk. Xcel Energy contacts customers up to 48 hours in advance if an upcoming extreme weather risk, such as wildfires, via telephone or email.

The hours before a Public Safety Power Shutoff could happen, Xcel Energy will send an updated phone call or email. If you would like to learn more about Xcel Energy's Public Safety Power Shutoff, you can visit xcelenergy.com.