AMARILLO, Texas (Mar. 12, 2025) – Xcel Energy is preparing for critical wildfire risks later this week across our Texas and New Mexico service areas, notifying customers in specific areas that power will likely be turned off for public safety. High wind speeds and low humidity are forecasted to peak on Friday, March 14 in areas where excessively dry conditions and fire fuels increase the risk of fast-moving wildfires.

A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is likely to occur for approximately 16,000 customers in eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle on Friday to reduce the risk of wildfire. The number of customers and regions affected could change as conditions evolve. Customers can view our PSPS map to see if they may be affected.

Xcel Energy encourages customers to prepare for potential power outages, especially if they rely on electric-powered medical equipment. The storm may cause significant damage to power poles and lines leading to additional power outages, and it is possible that it will take several days to restore power to all customers. We are positioning additional teams in the area to respond to outages, including dozens of crew members from Colorado. Power restoration efforts will begin after high winds and elevated fire risks have ended. Following a PSPS, crews must patrol the entire line to repair any damage and make sure it’s safe to turn power back on, and we appreciate customers’ patience.

Important tools for Xcel Energy customers

  • The website includes a PSPS map that customers can use to look up their address to find out whether they may experience a PSPS. The map will be updated as conditions change.

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

Public Safety Power Shutoffs likely; Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings activated

Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data sources to determine the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions are key factors in our risk models. We generate new models regularly and adjust operations accordingly to reduce wildfire risk.  

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, and other methods like Enhanced Power Safety Settings (EPSS) are not enough for public safety. We will work to notify customers who may be affected as soon as possible if a PSPS becomes necessary. 

“We recognize power outages are inconvenient, but public safety is our priority,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, President, Xcel Energy – Texas, New Mexico. “This is a proactive measure we only take as a last resort to reduce wildfire risk. We will stay in close communication with our public safety partners and customers to keep everyone updated should weather conditions change.”

PSPS and EPSS are tools that can reduce wildfire risk and keep our customers safe. In a PSPS event, power is proactively shut off for safety, and it is not a step we take lightly. EPSS allows for power lines to remain in service during periods of elevated wildfire risk, with additional protection settings enabled. More background information is available on our website and this EPSS video.  

Due to the elevated risk of wildfire, Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) are active across our Texas and New Mexico service territory.  

  • 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. 

How customers can prepare, stay safe 

Stay Informed 

If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. Customers should make sure their account information and communications preferences are up to date through the Xcel Energy website.  

The website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration when available. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and X.

Customers can also visit the PSPS Event website for more information.

Build a Home Emergency Kit 

Customers are encouraged to be prepared for an electric outage by keeping phones and other devices charged and building an outage kit with items that do not require electricity, including:  

  • Battery-powered radio   

  • Flashlights  

  • Batteries  

  • Backup phone chargers  

  • A phone that does not require electricity  

  • Non-electric alarm clock  

  • Bottled water and non-perishable 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)  

  • Xcel Energy phone numbers – (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for business  

As an important reminder to customers who have medical equipment that relies on electric service, please take steps to prepare a backup power supply in case outages do occur. We are contacting known medical customers in the area directly to inform them about forecasted severe weather and potential impacts. 

We are continually investing in and building out our systems to reduce the risk of wildfire and limit the size, scale and duration of potential power disruptions. More tips for how to prepare for an outage are available here. 

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.

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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.