DENVER— (December 20, 2025)— Hundreds of Xcel Energy crew members are out inspecting power lines and poles and making repairs to restore power to more than 80,000 customers impacted by severe wind that moved through Colorado yesterday. The National Weather Service dismissed the Red Flag Warning and the Particularly Dangerous Situation designations, and Pubilc Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) conditions subsided as of 5 a.m. Saturday.

The severe weather conditions created an extreme wildfire risk, leading Xcel Energy to implement a PSPS yesterday in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties. The conditions created additional outages to customers not impacted by the PSPS.

Power has already been restored to some customers, and Xcel Energy expects most customers to see their power return by 10 p.m. tonight. Restoration for some customers may extend into Sunday due to severe damage and the location of the damage. Crews must visually inspect the lines for damage before repairs can be made and power restored.

Xcel Energy has been communicating with customers throughout the week, including updating them this morning on restoration times. Customers were contacted via their preferred communication method they selected in My Account. They will continue to receive updates as the estimates are refined and restoration work progresses.

The safety of crew members is paramount as they work to restore power. Xcel Energy asks customers to help keep crew members safe as they work diligently to restore power as quickly as possible.

Customers are still encouraged to report any damage, such as downed power lines and broken poles to Xcel Energy, and to stay clear.

Resource Centers

Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and local offices of emergency management to provide resource centers for customers impacted by power outages caused by this week’s severe wind events. Customers impacted by outages will have access to phone charging and other home emergency supplies at the following resource centers:

  • Georgetown Community Center – 613 Sixth St., Georgetown (open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
  • Carmody Middle School – 2050 S. Kipling St. Lakewood (open 9 a.m. -- 5 p.m.)
  • Gilpin County Overnight Shelter  – 10595 Highway 119, Black Hawk, (open 24 hours)
  • Evergreen Fire Station – 1802 Bergen Pkwy, Evergreen (open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Clear Creek Health and Wellness Center – 1969 Miner St., Idaho Springs (open Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Berthoud Fire Station – 248 Welch Ave. Berthoud (open Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

The Xcel Energy RED Trucks will also be at the resource centers providing support and information to customers. Individuals who need food assistance can use the Find Food Map to find a Hunger Relief Partner in communities across Colorado.

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.

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.

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. 

Public Safety Power Shutoff, Wildfire Mitigation

PSPS events reduce the risk of wildfires and protect public safety. Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data sources to decide how to best protect the customers and communities it serves. Key factors in calling for a PSPS event include high winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions and all are present today.

Customers who live in areas where power lines are underground, or do not see damage in their immediate area can still be impacted by a PSPS or power outage due to how their neighborhood connects to the larger grid.

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.