AMARILLO, Texas (Mar. 15, 2025) – Xcel Energy crews are working to assess and repair damage and safely restore power after yesterday’s major windstorm in New Mexico and Texas. Power has been restored for more than 55,000 customers since the high winds subsided last evening, and as of 2:30 p.m. today, about 11,000 customers are still without power. With significant damage to power lines, it may take several days to restore power to all customers.

More than 450 Xcel Energy employees and contractors are on site today, including crew members from Colorado. As wind speeds have decreased, we are using other inspection tools like helicopters and drones to further expedite the restoration process. 

With widespread damage, power restoration times for individual customers will vary based on a number of factors. Current restoration estimates are:

Customers can stay updated on the status of their outage on our outage map, which will be updated with estimated restoration times when they’re available. More information and details on community resources are also available on our website. We understand outages are challenging, and we appreciate your patience as crews continue to work to restore power to areas affected by this significant windstorm. 

With yesterday’s exceptionally high winds and dry conditions, Xcel Energy shut off power for about 17,000 customers in eastern New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle and South Plains region as a public safety measure to reduce the risk of wildfires. In addition to this Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), the intense winds also caused power outages on our system. Most of the outages are a result of the high winds, unrelated to the PSPS.  

Following the storm, crews must patrol and inspect the full length of our power lines and repair any damage to make sure it’s safe to turn power back on. With 2,500 miles of lines de-energized as part of this PSPS, and additional damage from the storm, crews will be working through the weekend to complete inspections and restore power.

Customers are encouraged to check for damage to the electric service mast to their homes. The mast is a pipe mounted to the house through which the electric service wires are run. If damaged, a licensed electrician must make repairs before service can be restored. In addition, please turn off or unplug appliances or equipment that may start automatically when power is restored. 

Important tools for Xcel Energy customers 

  • The status of current outages is tracked on the electric service outage map. 

Report an outage  

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages:   

  • Via text by texting OUT to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage  

  • By calling 1-800-895-1999 and following the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. 

More on Public Safety Power Shutoffs and Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings 

A PSPS is a measure where power is shut off to a targeted area for a limited time period, used only when the fire risk is exceptionally high. Due to the elevated risk of wildfire, Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) are also active across our Texas and New Mexico service territory. EPSS allows for power lines to remain in service during periods of elevated wildfire risk, with additional protection settings enabled.  

  • When EPSS are activated, power lines can stop the flow of energy if an issue is detected, like a tree branch or other object touching the line.    

  • EPSS does not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power. If there is an outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line.    

  • Power will remain off until our crews can visually inspect power lines to make sure it is safe to turn them back on. This may mean that if an outage occurs, it could last longer.  

Both EPSS and PSPS are only used when temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and other available fuel sources indicate a high risk for wildfire. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to take steps to reduce wildfire risk and keep our communities safe.  

Ways customers can stay safe and prepare for storms 

  • Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.  

  • Observe food safety. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day.  

Build a home emergency kit

Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include:  

  • Xcel Energy phone numbers: 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business  

  • Battery-powered radio or television  

  • Flashlights  

  • Batteries  

  • Back up phone chargers  

  • A phone that does not require electricity  

  • Non-electric alarm clock  

  • Bottled water and nonperishable food  

  • Manual can opener  

  • First aid kit  

  • Extension cords (for partial outages)  

  • Manufacturer's instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g., garage doors)  

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.