DENVER— (December 17, 2025)— Xcel Energy enacted a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for around 50,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties due to extreme wildfire danger. High winds have moved into Colorado with gusts as high as high as 91 miles per hour.

Xcel Energy is also anticipating a PSPS event on Friday, December 19, as high wind, dry ground conditions, and low relative humidity return. This PSPS event has the potential to impact mountain communities as well as the Front Range, beginning as early as 5 a.m. Friday’s storm may overlap with some communities impacted by today's severe weather, which could mean certain areas may be without power for more than three days.

Xcel Energy utilizes weather forecasts and other data sources to help determine the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions are key factors in risk models.

Jefferson County Resource Centers

Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and Jefferson County to open resource centers for customers impacted by power outages caused by today’s severe wind event. Customers impacted by outages in Jefferson County will have access to two resource centers, which will be open today and tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Xcel Energy Red Trucks will also be at the resource centers providing support and information to customers. The resource centers will provide phone charging for those who need it and are located at:

  • Evergreen Library – 5000 County Hwy 73, Evergreen 
  • Belmar Library – 555 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood 

Preparing for Restoration

Hundreds of Xcel Energy crew members and contractors are positioned along the Front Range, ready to restore power due to the PSPS as well as any other outages caused by high winds. As crews begin restoring power to those affected by today’s severe weather and PSPS event, please remember to give them the space they need to do their job safely and efficiently. Customers are encouraged to report any damage they see to power lines, stay clear of downed lines, and to report their outage.

Outages will likely occur outside of areas impacted by the PSPS due to the high winds associated with this dangerous weather. This may impact restoration times. Weather conditions may also impact restoration, and it may take several hours to several days for customers’ power to be restored because a crew must patrol the entire power line to ensure it’s safe to turn service.  

Xcel Energy recognizes a significant number of customers are likely to experience an outage, and that such events are highly disruptive. The company’s goal is to limit the impact of a PSPS event as much as possible while effectively managing high wildfire risk and will continue to communicate updates through the event including outage and restoration information. Customers can look up their address online to find out whether they may be subject to a PSPS event.  

Report Outages, Damage 

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages and are encouraged to also report any damage to power lines that they see. They should also stay away from any downed power lines and broken power poles and contact Xcel Energy.

Customers have several ways to report outages:   

  • Through the Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play.   
  • Online at xcelenergy.com/out  
  • 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.   

Event updates and tips to prepare, stay safe, report outages and stay informed when severe weather strikes can be found on the Xcel Energy Event Update webpage.

How customers can prepare, stay safe  

Stay Informed  

Xcel Energy will provide updates for this specific weather event on its website. Customers can check the outage map for up-to-date information on outages and estimated restorations times, when available. They should make sure their account information and communications preferences are up to date in  My Account. 

Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and X.  

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 for potential extended outages, including on Friday. Xcel Energy will be conducting additional outreach for qualifying medical customers regarding Friday’s event. 

Xcel Energy is continually investing in and building out its systems to reduce the risk of wildfire and limit the size, scale, and duration of potential power disruptions. Since beginning its Wildfire Mitigation work in 2020, the company has invested in system improvements including the following improvements made in 2024:

  • Replacing 8,337 distribution poles
  • Inspecting 18,740 distribution poles
  • Inspecting 2,832 miles of transmission lines
  • Completing 345 priority repairs on transmission equipment
  • Installing 18 substation protection relays

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About Xcel Energy 

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy. 

We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives. 

Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.